Ambitious and Intensely Focused, Maya is Two for Two!

Walking confidently up the aisle in the large sanctuary at St. Joseph's African Methodist Episcopal Church, Maya Danielle Bryant strode confidently to the podium in the pulpit area of the church building and after greeting the congregation continued, speaking from prepared notes: "What do you do when life gives you lemons? Put them in your sweet tea like a southern girl. As an honor student, talented chorister and vice-president of Future Business Leaders of America, my glass of tea is more than half full! But I know that my hectic schedule will pay off some day when I become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, and CEO of my own business! For now I hope that my determination will inspire other girls to go after their dreams, a role model for all ages in Durham, NC . . .That introduction helped me become Ms. NC Preteen 2008."

Bryant, 12, petite and beautiful flashed her winsome smile that has the "wattage" to light a room as the packed congregation applauded her success.

Her latest victory makes Bryant two-for-two in her ventures this year. Earlier, she competed for the title District Dorcas Princess, an annual AME Women's Missionary Society fundraiser and won because she collected more money than any other contestant. Now, she represents North Carolina in the Miss Preteen Contest, sponsored by American Coed Pageants System.

American Coed Pageants System describes itself as one of the largest and most prestigius and popular pageant systems in the world. In its 23rd year, the system has awarded more than $11 million in cash, scholarships, prizes and gifts to contestants, ages three to 22-years-old. According to information from the Systems' website: " Pageants are held on state and national levels with all national pageants being held annually in Orlando, Florida at the Walt Disney World Resorts each November.

So Bryant, undaunted by the challenges ahead, prepares now to go for the national title--Miss. America Preteen. Don't count her out.

"From the beginning, Maya was a special child," explained her mother Cora Bryant, assistant to the President at The Carolina Theater in Durham, and a long time member of St. Joseph's AME Church. "The doctors had told me that I would not have children, and on the day I went for a pre-hysterectomy examination, the doctors discovered I was pregnant with Maya." Two years later, Ms. Bryant, who became widowed when Maya was four-years-old, gave birth to a second child, Marcus. Therefore, Ms. Bryant has been a single parent for eight of Maya's 12 years.

Special" might not be a big enough word to describe this bright, confident and driven 12-year-old who tells anyone who asks: "I am preparing myself to conquer all obstacles, to overcome all hurdles and to achieve all the goals I've set for myself." She declares these affirmations with confidence, but not cockines. She 'wears" her visionary dreams with grace and style.

In all of her efforts, Bryant acknowledges and honors her mother. For example, during her recent comments at St. Joseph's, she said: "I would like to thank my wonderful, loving mother for all that you do! If it wasn't for you none of this could be possible. I truly have turned you into a pageant mom. You have done so much for me that some kids only dream of. As a single mother, you have done a phenomenal job. You are the reason I reach for the moon."

"I have always taught my children to aim high and to not allow themselves to be discouraged or deterred," explained Ms. Bryant during a recent interview. "Maya really takes it to heart. She curious, challenging, consistent and committed to her goals."

Maybe without realizing it, Bryant daily positions herself for tremendous success and almost unimaginable wealth because she seems to instinctively practice principles that Napolean Hill popularized in his book--Think and Grow Rich. For example, on pages 33 and 34 of a recent reprint of that classic work, Hill wrote: "Every human being, who reaches the age of understanding of the purpose of money, wishes for it. Wishing will not bring riches. But desiring riches with a state of mind that becomes an obsession, then planning definite ways and means to acquire riches, and backing those plans with persistence, which does not recognize failure, will bring riches. The method by which desire for riches can be transmuted into its financial equivalent consists of six definite, practical steps, viz: First, fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. It is not sufficient to say, 'I want plenty of money.' Be definite as to the amount . . . Second, determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. (There is no reality as 'something for nothing'). Third, establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire. Fourth, create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action. Fifth, write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, name the time limit for its acquisition, state what you intend to give in return for the money, and describe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it. Sixth, read your written statement aloud twice daily, once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning. As you read--see and feel and believe yourself already in the possession of the money.'"

With a maturity well beyond her 12 years, Bryant practices these principles instinctively. All she needs now is a mentor who can teach her to refine, sharpen and focus her thinking because mental activity provides the bridge by which all things travel from the spirit realm where they exist originally into the physical realm where we can hold, handle and use them.

Stay tuned! I see it already. Bryant striding confidently to her almost familiar spot behind the podium in the St. Joseph's AME pulpit, announcing her victory in the national Miss Preteen Pageant, and closing with her now familiar affirmation: "As a future CEO of my own business, I am Maya Danielle Bryant."