And I think that when I finally decided to let go and let God and allow that to happen, I became a lot more successful than I could have done if I had planned it all myself.

I know that I've got big ears and a big forehead and that my hair sticks up, but I'm happy with myself. I'm not necessarily trying to win a beauty pageant here.

I decided to study special education and fell in love with working with individuals with autism. That's what I planned to do with my life.

The message I'll share...is that inclusion is extremely important for kids with and without disabilities.

A song can be more than words and music ... when sung with soul a song carries you to another world, to a place where no matter how much pain you feel, you are never alone.

I like to talk. I'm a terrible dancer. I love my hometown. I have freckles and oversized ears. I'm a geeks. I have tried not to hide who I am or what matters to me.

Well, fortunately we found out that the runner-up our particular year was going to get a record contract also. So it was kind of a - it was bitter sweet but it was an opportunity.

It doesn't really matter to me how I make a difference, I just wanna make sure that I do.

I know this is going to sound cheesy and like I'm trying to be Miss America, but the most important responsibility a celebrity has is to set an example and be a role model.

I went to school for special education. I always assumed when I had the opportunity I would love to try and help kids with disabilities.

In my ideal world, no child would suffer. Charitable instincts would prevail. There would be global acceptance of all different types of people.

Dreams that do come true can be as unsettling as those that don't.

The past cannot hurt you. It’s all in your head.

They became actual revolutions instead of mere discussions, complaints and rioting, only after revolutionists had beaten, or won over, the armed forces of the government

All I ask is for powerful people to respond honestly to the questions, and if they can't, explain why.

Demolition is a part of construction.

I come from a family of 12, so I kind of got a little lost as a child.

I question the political judgement of those who would have the nerve to paint Christ white with his obvious African nose, lips and wooly hair.

We have to rethink, how do we get a complete 360-degree understanding of the patient?

The Nobel Prize gives you an opportunity to make a fool of yourself in public.

Don't get stuck on small. Don't stop dreaming, reaching and enhancing what you have.