By Haley Lesavoy

As a Gracie Award® winner, I know that the Gracies statue carries a lot of significance. For me, the statue means:

• Having your hard work seen, acknowledged and rewarded by powerhouse figures in media.

• An honor for your school, the subjects of your video, your team, and yourself.

• Being in possession of  5-pound weights, on the off chance that you randomly decide you are bored and want to work out in your apartment. Yes: Gracies statues make great barbells.

• Sharing an honor that has been received by Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, Meredith Vieira, and so many other legends who have accomplished what you hope to one day achieve.

• Having an excuse to buy a long dress. And a short one.

• The opportunity to meet incredible journalists, television personalities, producers and directors, who can help guide you down the road to success.

• Making lifelong friends who share your passion for media.

• Having a minor panic attack before you walk down the red carpet, knowing that when you try to pose with your hand on your hip, it still doesn't look natural.

• You are one step closer to achieving your dreams.

And most importantly:

• If you would like these feelings of pride and accomplishment, you should probably apply for the 2013 Gracie Awards before time runs out on January 7th.

Haley Lesavoy is a Gracie Award®winner and former president of the AWM Affiliate at George Washington University. She is currently an Entertainment Correspondent in the New York City area.