By Lauren Estes, Special to the Enquirer

Hawks Senior Jordan Melson is on a journey of self-discovery, as she has worked tirelessly to remove self doubt and anxiety from herself.

Melson was recently named Lawrence County’s Young Distinguished Woman and will be competing in Montgomery for the state title.

“Growing up, I knew several girls who had competed in the program. Fellow cheerleaders, youth group members, other young women who I look up to,” Melson said. “In the 2018 program of Lawrence County’s DYW, I served as a “little sister” for one of my close friends. Little sisters are your encouragers from backstage. After that year, I knew I wanted to compete. Going into the county contest, I had to overcome my struggle with anxiety and self-doubt; but coming out of it, I have developed leadership skills and friendships that will last a lifetime. As I prepare for the State program, I just have to keep reminding myself that my God is bigger than any worry I can face.”
The scholarship program, Melson said, helps young Women further develop positive thoughts about themselves, which internally helps them grow and mature.

“I want other girls to know that this is not a pageant. Distinguished Young Women is a scholarship program that encourages people to be the best versions of themselves,” Melson said. “ It is an amazing experience that pushes you outside of your comfort zone and teaches you that you are stronger than you ever imagined.”

Melson said one way to describe herself is being able to find joy in the small things.

“This year, Lawrence and Limestone County held their contests together,” Melson said. “While we were preparing, I was talking with Julia Stone who is now the Distinguished Young Woman of Limestone County. We were just discussing future plans: colleges, careers, etc. I proudly stated that I plan to pursue an Agricultural Science degree at Auburn University. Then, with over eager enthusiasm, I added, ‘I get to live in a trailer!’ Julia thought that was the most hilarious thing I had ever said. She could not understand why that made me so excited. I explained that I am not a dorm type of person and that I cannot wait to have a place to call my own, but she still finds humor in my excitement to own a trailer. That memory reminds me first of all, that I am too easily entertained and also, that if I can’t find joy in simple things, what is left to be happy about.”

The 17-year-old will be graduating from Danville this May and plans to attend Auburn University.

“hope to move to Auburn in the fall to pursue a degree in Agricultural Science,” Melson said. “ I enjoy doing whatever can entertain me at the time. My passions range from agriculture to literature and from public speaking to hiking. My favorite place to be is at the foot of a waterfall or on the way to somewhere new.”

Melson said if it wasn’t for the encouraging people in her life, she feels like she wouldn’t be where she is today.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who have gotten me here,” Melson said. “Thank you to the teachers who have inspired, the family members who have built me, and the community members who have lifted me up. Thank you to my friends who believe in me even when I don’t, and thank you to Distinguished Young Women for caring about the girls who shatter glass ceilings.”