Building Confidence

This week on the show the cameras followed me to the Boys and Girls Club where I spent the afternoon (not 3 minutes that it got edited down to) mentoring girls in the SMART (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) program. This program, for young women ages 8-17, helps build girls' self-esteem and self-worth while emphasizing the importance of nurturing one's own mental and physical well-being. I donate my time and resources to this program because statistics show that girls who are supported by positive role models and provided with information on the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence have less depression, teen pregnancy, and substance abuse problems.

I've had wonderful mentors throughout my life, beginning with my mother who successfully managed a household of nine and always found time for herself and her needs. During the visit we wrote down five things that we like most about ourselves and that opened up a great discussion. The girls really identified with me and my background, growing up with such a large family. I don't think they were that interested in the Countess thing, but they liked me. I laughed when one of the girls told me she wanted to be a babysitter because that was my first job. I have a date set to return and the girls are super excited I'm bringing my book.

I was in total shock when Simon walked out! I really had no idea. Bethenny and Jill did a good job of keeping it a total surprise. Unfortunately for Jill (who had to run from one side of the court to the other for balls Simon missed) the situation looked really grim. I felt like running onto the court to save her. I actually brought clothes to change into but watching was too amusing. By the way, the Team Ramona shirt does not exist.

There is definitely a rematch in the cards and this time I want to play!

Team JILL! All the way!