#BeAMentorMonth: Who is Your Mentor? Vol. 3!

My mentor is someone who is always willing to listen to me no matter what

(L to R): Lauren's mother and mentor with Lauren!

 I have to say, she is my mom. I would say my mom is a good mentor because not only is she accepting of who I am, she also leads by example. Whether it is how she was as a strong business women, thoughtful mother, or a determined person.

She is always showing me how to be a better person which makes me want to be a better person. That's what I think a good mentor does--not only should he or she be there to help you but also she should be able to take his or her own advice. A mentor though is not always perfect because without mistakes he or she won't be able to improve. A mentor leads by example without trying to be someone he or she isn't.  This kind of mentality does not get anyone far in life.

I learn a lot from my mom, whether it's good or bad, but that's why she is a good mentor because she can admit to her mistakes and move on from them. She is also there for me through the difficult times, always has my best interest at heart, and does everything she can to help me get to the goals that I set. I don't know if I would be able to accomplish what I have without my mentor!

Joining the Zumba Party!

For National Physical Fitness Month, Zumba Instructor Gisela shares her love with Zumba! Girl Talk is excited to have her at this year's Project Inside Out! You can register for camp here! Now take it away, Gisela!

My mane is Gisela Marziali. I was born in the south of Argentina, in a region called Patagonia. I lived there for about 30 years where I married, had two children (11 and 13) and received two degrees in Radiology Technician and Physical Education. Ever since I was little, I've been passionate about dancing and sports. I took ballet classes, and I have participated in sports such as basketball, hockey, figure skating, and track and field.  While in Argentina, I taught different fitness formats, like Aerobics, step, Aero Latino, Aero-dance, Hip Hop and Afro/Brazilian aerobics for more than eight years. In 2003, my family and I relocated to the United States pursuing career opportunities for my husband. 

A few years ago one of my best friends invited me to take a Zumba class at the YMCA and since then I fell in love with Zumba, which encouraged me to return to teaching after several years dedicated to raising my children. I became a Zumba instructor, Group Exercise Instructor, and now I'm pursuing my Personal training certification.

Teaching Zumba has given me the opportunity to achieve two important goals in my life: helping people get more active, healthy and happy, and being able to do something that I love and truly enjoy like dancing and exercising all together.

“Dance as though no one is watching you,
Love as though you have never been hurt before,
Sing as though no one can hear you,
Live as though heaven is on earth.”