Teammates

With the girls involved with Teammates

On Saturday, May 7th, I visited Ord, Nebraska to attend the Teammates Tea. Mentors, along with their girls and the girls' mothers came together to get manicures and get their make up done. We had a nice dinner and then it was time for me to speak.

Speaking to the mentors and mentees

I spoke to the group about life, hope and possibilities. I reached out to the girls about dreaming big and creating BHAGS: big hairy audacious goals. I shared my life story and answered lots of questions about the Miss USA pageant, life as Miss Nebraska and the importance of education. I had such a good time being able to have an intimate setting where I could share my views and strive to inspire the Teammates group. After the speech I took pictures with the girls and signed autographs for each of them.

Signing autographs for the girls.

The Teammates Mentoring Program was founded by University of Nerbaska- Lincoln Head Football Coach Tom Osborne and his wife Nancy. There are over 4,000 matches across Nebraska, Iowa and California. I hope everyone, no matter your age, continues to set goals and go after your dreams! It was such an honor to be asked to speak to this amazing group of women.

xo,

Belinda Wright

Stepping up to the plate

May 1, 2011 I attended the Storm Chasers baseball game in Omaha in honor of the Nebraska Family Support Network. Over 175 people, consisting of children and families boarded buses at the Nebraska Family Support Network office and came to the ballgame. I threw out the first pitch of the game to kick off Children's Mental Health Awareness Month for NFSN.


After throwing out the fist pitch, I was thrilled to be welcomed by smiles and hugs from the Nebraska Family Support Network crew. I autographed pictures and baseballs for the kids and their parents. This event completely made my day, everyone was so kind and excited. It was a great day spent with amazing people.

May is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the Surgeon General “the MECA Study (Methodology for Epidemiology of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents) estimated that almost 21 percent of U. S. Children ages 9 -17 have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder.” While bad temper tantrums and the occasional bad mood are normal for developing healthy emotions, when actions or behaviors begin to seem questionable or at times even frightening many Douglas and Sarpy County families need to find resources to help cope. Nebraska Family Support Network is a non-profit organization focused on helping families find resources and improving knowledge about mental health awareness among Douglas and Sarpy County residents.

I chose to wear green during the event. The color green signifies ones awareness to the needs of children and youth with behavioral, social or mental health disabilities. Green is the chosen color because during the 1800’s the color green was used to label a person with mental health disabilities as “insane”. In order to use green as a more positive message the mental health community has chosen to use green to symbolize new life, new health, and new beginning. Much in the way that a revived plant in the spring turns green with its new life, green can symbolize the change proper resources and correct treatment have in reviving the life of a child with mental health disabilities.

Best wishes,
Belinda Wright

Life As of Lately...

Geneice and I before the Lady Gaga concert.

Wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. I’ve received a few emails from people wondering what I’ve been up to so I apologize for my absence. I really appreciate the emails and from here on out will do better at updating my blog.

Cover of Metro Magazine featuring the event I did for "Dance for a Chance"

Well, life has slowed down for me, and for now I am really enjoying it. I have been fully focused on graduate school and preparing myself for the work force once I graduate next May. I am happy to say that my hard work in school and long hours of studying have been paying off. I’m on the path of receiving a 4.0 in my full course load of graduate classes! I’ve given tons of presentations this year, and I thank my training in pageants for the success and comfort of public speaking I now have. Only a month and a half stands between me and summer break. Although, I don’t know if it will be a break, since I will be taking classes, but the nice weather will be nice for a change!

Valentines Day with my amazing boyfriend.

I have been busy applying for fashion, advertising and public relations internships for the summer in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. I really have my heart set on Chicago and Los Angeles and have had a few offers, so within the next few months I will know for sure where I will be relocating this summer and working. There are so many great companies I’ve been in contact with and I look forward to working with them in the summer months. Relocating this summer will also give me a chance to see where I’d like to move after graduation. Although I love Nebraska and the people in it, the one downfall is that Nebraska is not the place for me to be to work in the industry I love.

Weekly outings with my Advertising friends.

Besides school and the intern hunt, I’ve had ample time to do my long list of hobbies. Sometimes I think I’m an old soul because I love doing all of the things my grandma and mom taught me when I was young. I’ve been a quilting maniac, sewing for hours upon end. I’ve been scrap booking out of control and also cooking a lot. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my little puppy Harley, my family, friends and boyfriend and have been able to continue living a healthy lifestyle. So although life has slowed down a little, I can’t complain. I’m taking advantage of the free time I have because life is about to pick back up to the busy schedules I adore so much.

Miss Nebraska 2010, 2006, 2007 and 2011

I’ve been spending a lot of time with my Miss Nebraska USA girls. Haley Harold is preparing for Miss USA, and I couldn’t be more excited for her! She is one amazing women and I can’t wait to watch her in Vegas this June as Miss USA celebrates their 60^th Anniversary. Be sure to check out the contestants, and rate Haley 5 stars at missusa.com. I am also beyond enthused to see all of my Miss USA sisters from the class of 2010 as we reunite this year at Miss USA.

Out to eat.

I have some motivational speaking events coming up, so I look forward to sharing my experiences and helping others. I also have some very special little ones that will be entering my life. My brother and sister-in-law and my best friend and her husband are expecting in June and September! I am beyond excited for them!

More pictures with people with crazy outfits from the Lady Gaga concert.

Well that’s all for now, look for more updates to come!

Xoxo,

Belinda