Congrats Melanie!

Last night Melanie Amaro became the first contestant to win X-Factor USA and $5 million. I can't help but be happy for the island girl whose lifelong dream came true.

Does she have more growing to do? Of course! For starters she's only 19 and besides we all have room to grow. (In fact the only time you should stop growing is when you're dead!) But she worked hard and surmounted many obstacles along this journey. In fact, she heard the word 'no' almost every step of the way but persevered and came out victorious.

It just goes to show that you should never give up on your dreams; even when it seems like the only door of hope just closed right in front your face.

Keep pushing, keep striving and keep working...the world is watching!