Lisa Quintiliani Bousbouras

Name: Lisa Quintiliani Bousbouras

Title: Veterans Inc.- Event coordinator Executive Director of Little Patriots Early Learning Center

LePage: I chose Lisa for all the good work she does at Veterans Inc.

Advice to 10-year-old self: What would I tell my 10-year-old self if I could go back to 1986?

I would tell myself to stop letting my mother give me that short, boy haircut!

Truly I would tell myself exactly what I tell my 11-year-old daughter today, who is much like I was, I would say you are going to have a wonderful but not perfect life ahead of you. Your high school experience is going to be a challenging one. As you will come to learn, we are all very different. Embrace your differences, as it is what makes you unique and sets you apart from the rest!

Pursue happiness, stick with figure skating even after you are married and pregnant, do not let it go, it’s your passion to coach, do not stop even if it seems impossible.  There are so many things you will be capable of doing, never feel you have to settle. Be confident in all that you do.

You will meet some unkind people on your journey, do not let it bother you just be kind to everyone. Do not rush growing up because being a kid stinks, enjoy what’s around you and don’t get sucked into the drama that life is going to present to you, rise above, be happy and enjoy your childhood, it goes by in the blink of an eye! 

Nicole Watson

Name: Nicole Watson

Title: Owner/Manager Nicks Bar & Restaurant

LePage: I chose Nicole for her vision in creating a venue that has drawn in movie and television production companies to Worcester, and her desire to make a special place where music and style meet.

Advice to 10-year-old self: If I could tell anything to my ten-year-old self I suppose I would say to be more confident in myself.  I was an incredibly shy kid, always the wallflower.  I was afraid of attention of any kind.  I've gotten over it as I've grown older, but I would have been much more involved in things as a child and teenager.  I did, however, get a lot of reading done!

John Trobaugh

Name: John Trobaugh

Titles: MFA,, President of Worcester Pride. UMass Educational Specialist.

LePage: I chose John for his tireless work and inspiration to the GLBT community. 

Advice to 10-year-old self: First, you are not adopted, nor do you have an incurable disease and you will live past the age of 18. No matter what people around you say or do, know it will get better. You are a good person, no matter who you love. You are an artist to your core. You will always need to create, but not the approval of others. The inner voice that has already guided you, you should trust it. It will not steer you wrong. Be patient, just listen. If it doesn't feel right, it isn't. Finally, speak up for yourself and don't be afraid to lead."

Mies Bastille

Name: Mies Bastille

Title: Recipient of The Robert E. Maynard Caregiver Of The Year Award 

LePage: I have chosen Mies for her giving and caring heart. It’s that simple.

Advice to 10-year-old self: You're bound to make mistakes, to make poor choices, but you'll make good choices as well that will keep life in balance. Love with abandon, laugh often and share your smile with the world as you never know who might be in need of it. Though sometimes it will be hard to remember, everything happens for a reason and cherish each moment like it will be your last. Life is a beautiful gift.

Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk

Name: Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk

Titles: VP for Corporate Community Affairs and for the Central & Western MA Markets; Boards of: Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Destination Worcester; Girls Inc., Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, March of Dimes,  Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Red Cross

LePage: I have chosen Kate for her tireless effort help local charities and fundraisers and serving on the board of countless organizations. 

Advice to 10-year-old self: What would I tell my 10-year-old self? Life isn't always fair. Bad things happen to good people, and vice versa. So don't dwell on who had better luck, be grateful for all that you have - especially the ability to make your own future. And, don't worry about all those D's in conduct...

Robert Branca

Name: Robert Branca

Titles: President, Branded Realty Group. Chairman, Dunkin' Donuts Franchise Owners PAC

LePage: I chose Robert for his sense of community, positive attitude and his entrepreneurial sprit.

Advice to 10-year-old self: 1) Keep on reading like you do now, and don't narrow your interests in subject matter. Read everything that you can get your hands on. 2) Watch less TV as you get older. 3) When Dad starts talking to you about exercise and weightlifting, start the first time that he talks to you about it. 4). In general, don't wait. For anything. Many adults will continue to have a childlike knowledge of how things work and will waste time. The sooner that you realize that you can make things happen, and that individuals have much more power than they realize and shouldn't wait or expect for things to be done for them, the sooner you will succeed. It won't be easy, but there is advantage in that few others will be willing to do it. Don't wait to start. It works. Be bold, but not reckless. Fortune favors the bold, but can punish the reckless. 5). There are very few other people whose opinions matter. You will recognize them, in part, by how they treat others. Be very careful to limit influence on you to those opinions. "

Victoria Waterman

Name: Victoria Waterman

Title: CEO, Girls Inc. of Worcester.

LePage: I have chosen Victoria for her devotion to Girls Inc. and her outstanding leadership skills all done with kindness and a smile.

Advice to 10-year-old self: Although you can't imagine it today, in the future you will be very proud that you learned to speak two languages when you were growing up, and By now, you've observed that aside from your church friends none of your classmates or neighbors live in bilingual or multi- generation homes. This often causes embarrassment and makes you feel different- definitely not easy for a 10 year old. Hang in there! What you don't realize is that this is building your character and shaping your unique strengths."

Tina Zlody

Name: Tina Zlody

Titles: Program and event coordinator for the visual and performing arts dept at Clark University, co-founder-co-director of stART on the Street.

LePage: I have chosen Tina for her incredible work in the arts. 

Advice to 10-year-old self: Hey ten-year-old Tina, here is some advice for you, don't be stubborn and just listen!

You are a natural athlete, embrace that now and not in your thirties

Cigarettes, girl, don't be daft, never pick one of those up EVER!

Don't be afraid to try out for that play

Try Karaoke before you get too self conscious to do it.

See that boy over there, yes, that one, he is T.R.O.U.B.L.E stay away!

Be a better friend

Stay in school, you will get so much farther & faster with a degree, maybe look at being a personal trainer, you would be good at that.

Learn to cook now, you are surprisingly good at it, maybe you'll even find a career in the culinary field

My last piece of advice is my most important, you won't have your mom for much longer, she is an amazing woman, so stop being a moody tween and talk to her... More important, listen to her.  

Now go out in the world and make it a better place.

Love, Me 

Philip D. Knudsen

Name: Phillip D. Knudsen

Title: Executive Director Amazing Things Arts Center- 160 Hollis Street, Framingham, MA 01702

LePage: I chose Philip for his zest for life, humor and dedication to the performing arts in New England.

Advice to 10-year-old self: What I would like to tell my 10-year-old self

• Mom and Dad really do love you and want the best for you.
• Get over yourself– and don’t take everything so seriously. (Still working on it.)
• Read everything you can– read, read, read. (Do a little writing too.)
• Don’t accept easy answers. Keep pressing with more questions.
• You are every bit as smart as people think you are. Work hard.
• You will have a happy life– don’t sweat it.
• Treat your friends well– some of them will be with you for a long time! (say hi to Doug!)
• Learn to play the piano. Mom and Dad can’t pay for it-- but you CAN figure it out.
• As soon as you get out of college and start working, Invest in Apple Computer, Microsoft and Intel stock.
• Be kind and understanding. Bullies are people too– they just don’t know it yet.
• You can do no better than to help others– work on it. (It’ll be a good way to get over yourself.)
• Laugh, a lot.
• Wear a respirator and don’t be a hero. I know this doesn’t make sense now– but it will.
• Music, art, photography and poetry will be as important to you as science. It’s going to be great.
• Say yes more than you say no.

You are going to learn a lot over the next ten years and you will be able to do just about everything you try– so try a lot of things: Ride a unicycle, learn to play guitar, buy a good camera, ride your bike even after you get your driver’s license. Work hard at listening. Listen more than you talk. Finally, if you are your true self– people will know. Learn as much as you can from Dad.

Michelle Cloutier Miller

Name: Michelle Cloutier Miller

Title: Central Mass Lyme Foundation, 210 Park Ave., Suite 143, Worcester, MA 01609, www.centralmasslyme.org, Call toll free at 1-888-511-LYME

LePage: I chose Michelle for her focus and determination on educating the public on Lyme disease and its effects and concerns.  

Advice to 10-year-old self: I would tell myself to never stop growing physically, mentally and spiritually and that there is always room to grow. Each day, we have new opportunities. Be open to them. You are never too old. Age is just a number!

That your dreams can come true through hard work and perseverance. There may be obstacles along the way but know that in time, dreams do come true.
That we all have many talents, some may not be discovered yet, but know that you have so much to give and that YOU can make a difference!

Pamela ter Gast

Name: Pamela ter Gast

Titles: Cancer survivor, Mother, CEO Neuro Endocrine Tumors & Carcinoid Cancer Awareness

LePage: I have chosen Pamela for her constant strength and her inspiration to others.

Advice to 10-year-old self: To my 10-year-old self... Oh how lucky are YOU... Your sense of humor, zest for life, and stubborn attitude. The fact you're loved with abandon and are so loved back, and will never really "grow up." All the qualities you need to weather the many storms to come.. Because your heart will be so broken, you'll appreciate true love all the more. You will be called a warrior, a fighter and a survivor. For you confusing titles, as you'll look at it as you should. It's life. Enjoying the winning, sometimes difficult hand you were dealt without regrets, without anger, of course there'll be tears but mostly laughter. No children will be loved more than yours… and all through your life you'll recognize the absurd, the hilarious and the beautiful. You, little 10-year-old will have a fantastic life!