Closing a chapter...

Earlier this month a major chapter of my life closed. This chapter included so many unforgettable memories, long nights spent with my nose in a book, endless fun times on UNL's campus and friends to last a lifetime. I'm happy to say I graduated with my Master's degree in Marketing, Communications and Advertising and said my final farewell to Lincoln, Nebraska on August 10th. Six years of school officially done; I can't believe it! Since I'm already working at my dream job in Chicago, it felt good to seal the deal on my degree. It was also perfect timing for me to go back home to Nebraska to see friends and family. And to top off the weekend, I got to graduate with one of my best friends! Kelynne and I have had quite the summer. We took a trip abroad (more to come on that later), which was beyond amazing!

Cheers to new opportunities, new friends, a new city and new adventures! 

Missing Family & Friends

With my family (missing my sister) at Miletta Vista Winery for my birthday.

I've been in Chicago for nearly 2 months and it's been nothing but great; but I can't deny I'm missing my family and friends. One of the reasons I chose to move to Chicago was because it was a quick trip home. Luckily I'll be traveling home mid August to graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with my Master's! But what I'm really anxious for, is to see and spend time with my loved ones. 

(Sadly, Miletta Vista had a tragedy and was burned to the ground by lightning shortly after we visited. Please send prayers to all who were affected.) 

And of course, after my family I'm missing my dear friends. I have to say I'm a pretty lucky girl to have the friends I do. Luckily for Skype, phone calls and Facebook, my friends don't seem near as far away as they are; that is my friends in Nebraska anyway. Below are some photos from my birthday/going away party at James Arthur Vineyard. Funny, I'm beginning to see a theme here with my love of winery's and parties.

My long time best friend!

Lincoln's Zoos

Michael and I are always on a mission to find fun things to do in the city without breaking the bank. When we found out the Lincoln Park Zoo was free, we were excited to spend a Saturday there with new friends. It turns out Chicago’s weather isn’t much different than Nebraska’s. It was beautiful one minute, and then when we decided to leave, a sudden storm came in. Luckily it only lasted for around 30 minutes. The zoo isn’t far from our apartment so we enjoyed the walk through Lincoln Park on the running/biking path. The zoo was super clean and had a lot of great attractions. My personal favorite has always been the monkey exhibit.

Spending the day at the zoo made me miss my family. Earlier this summer we visited the Lincoln (Nebraska) Children’s Zoo with my niece and nephew. I thought it was kind of funny that we move to a different state and visit another Lincoln zoo. Nonetheless, going to the zoo, whether it’s with good friends or family, has always been one of my favorite summer activities!

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