Magnificent May

Hey everybody!
The month of May was quite a whirlwind, yet I couldn't have asked for a better one! Surpassing a couple huge milestones, surviving two weekends in a row of Root graduations, catching up with old friends, the beginning of volleyball camps, and moving out of my apartment has kept me a busy busy girl. It's been a while since I posted, so here's what I've been up to in a nutshell...enjoy!

Friday, May 4th

CEHS Honors Banquet 

The College of Education and Human Sciences got together and awarded the top Nutrition, Fashion, and Teaching majors in the 2012 Class. You might be asking why these three unique majors are thrown together into a college, but as Dean Kostelnik said, "We clothe, feed, and educated people...what more do they need?!" It was also a great last chance to say goodbye and thanks to my thesis advisor and professor of multiple classes, Mrs. Young!

My smarts had to come from somewhere ;)

Ms. Dean herself

Professor Young

Saturday, May 5th

Graduation Day!

I officially joined the largest class in UNL history, crossed the stage, shook the Dean's hand, and got my Bachelor's degree after four years of hard work! After the ceremony, the athletics staff hosted a little party for all the seniors up in the skyboxes that my entire family (and I mean ENTIRE) got to attend. As a thank you for coming and reward for their patience, I took my grandparents, aunt and uncle, and cousins on a tour of the stadium and our beautiful athletic facilities! It was great to see everyone, spend the day together, and celebrate :)

We did it!

Nutrition for liiiiife :)

10 points if you can find me...

The most expensive piece of paper I'll ever receive...
Isn't it pretty?!

Sup, Tom?

A lil roomie love

Good lookin group ;)

The best grandparents EVER

My second family :)

Sunday, May 6th

Half-Marathon

Kelly and I laced up our shoes, secured our racing bibs, lined up with 10,000 of our closest friends, and took off for a measly 13.1 mile jog Sunday morning as part of the Lincoln Marathon.  I was a little nervous about the weather when I woke up (pooooouring rain), but thankfully it turned out to be a beautifully perfect day! The race itself was a lot of fun, the amount of people that came out to support all the runners was incredible, and they were the perfect burst of energy that I needed to keep going. It was such a great feeling to finish and can't wait to run many more!

The Route

Al...mo...st... Th...e..re...

Running buddies :)

My results: met my goal of under 1:45!

Friday, May 11th
Broderic's Graduation Party

After a long day of setting up decorations, cracking up at old pictures, and putting live fish in bowls by hand (yeah, don't ask...), it was finally party time! I loved being able to see and catch up with so many family, friends, and old teachers and Broderic was SO EXITED about being the center of attention!  For those of you that don't know, Brod has been diagnosed with Autism since he was 3, and has been something that he and our family has been challenged with throughout the years. However, he is one of the most positive, inspirational, and best people that I know...and this was proven by the number of people and kind words said at his party. If you haven't ever had the chance to meet him, you need to! :)

My "little" brother and I

Saturday, May 12th
DBU Game

Saturday morning, I made the trip down I-80 to go watch Boomer's team (Dallas Baptist) play Creighton at TD Ameritrade. It was SO great to see, spend the day, and catch up with my favorite guy and finally meet some of his teammates and friends! DBU won the game 5-2, and hopefully they will make it to the CWS in June so I can see him again soon :)

Hang out with these two, and your 
baseball knowledge will increase tenfold...

Such a studddd! :)

Sunday, May 13th
GISH Graduation

This was a HUGE day for Broderic, as he was finally able to cross the stage as an Islander Graduate and get that diploma. He had a giant smile across his face the entire day, and I'm pretty sure no one else could stop smiling either because it was just too darn contagious. I'm SO proud of him and can't wait to see what he's going to accomplish next! When asked what he was going to do on Monday (his first day off), he simply replied "sleep in"...as if there was anything else that matter?! :)

Wearing the Purple and Gold with pride :)

Wednesday, May 16th
The Last Supper

It was Maddie's last day in town (sniff sniff), so a bunch of us went out to eat to celebrate our last time all being together! We enjoyed a night full of good company, margaritas, plenty of laughs, and old stories from our "younger" days. It was the perfect ending to the school year and kick-off to summer! 

A whole 4 years together!

We enjoy each other's company a tiny bit...

Sunday, May 20th
Fire and Ice

After spending an entire week in Lincoln, it was sadly time for my bestie Kaitlynn to head back to Kentucky again. We had so much fun working out together, playing beach, catching up, laughing hysterically, tweeting/twitpic-ing, and of course, hanging out by the pool and getting our tan on. I will miss this girl so much but am SO excited to go visit her over 4th of July! Watch out Louisville, Fire and Ice is coming to town. 

Girls' night!

May 21st-23rd

And so it begins...

Jordan and I started our Summer Camps out in Nebraska City. It was a fun (and crazy) three days with the middle schoolers, and I throughly enjoyed catching up and hearing old stories over lunch with Grandma Betty! One camp down, many more to come...

May 25th-28th

Family Time

My youngest brother Brennon plays on the Bison team for GISH, and their annual tournament was held this past weekend in Lincoln. Also on Fridays, Braedon plays in a summer league with the Islanders...so needless to say I got a LOT of basketball watching in that weekend. In between games, my family helped me move and took home a bunch of my "big stuff" that wouldn't fit into my summer home, so I owe them a huge thank you :) On top of it all, it was great to spend some time and catch up with everyone, and Brennon's team even ended up taking home the Silver Championship!

Braedon rocking #33 and the brightest shoes in the gym

Brennon (#5) playing a little D 

Champs! 

May 31st

Pack it in, clean it up, and move it out!

Ladies and gentleman, the day has finally come. After THREE solid years, I am no longer a Lakeside resident! After countless hours of packing and cleaning over the past couple weeks (yes, weeks), the keys were finally handed in on Thursday. Thanks for all the memories, 206!

Deuces, Lakeside!

Whoooooooowe...I told you it was a crazy month! It's been quite a lot to reflect on, and I am SO BLESSED for every situation I've had the opportunity to encounter and each person that I've interacted with in this stage of my life. Sure, the next couple months will be crazy with tons of camps and plenty of uncertainties, but I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store and the Briges that will be Built. 
Hope everyone's summer is off to a great start as well!

So until next time, 

Brig :)

Sometimes I can't imagine how I'm going to fit everything in such a short period of time, or how things are going to all work out. This verse is PERFECT to remember for those mini moments of panic :)

Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

YOHO ...2, 1!

Well friends, it's Friday! For all my fellow students, it's finanally the end of dead week and I hope you all still find yourselves alive (har!)
Here is the last post of my YOHO Top 10 countdown, and it's the two things that I will miss most about living in Lincoln...enjoy!

2. My roommate

As an incoming freshman, I had three choices for my new roommate. Another volleyball player, a regular

student, or an athlete from another sport. 

 

I took Option C, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. My coach got together with the golf coach and decided that newcomer Madeleine Sheils from Boise, Idaho and I would be a good match because of our character and strong shared interest in academics.

Little did I know, my roommate of Smith 810 would become one of my dearest friends in Lincoln. 

After surviving a whirlwind freshman year in a 12 x 12 box without a TV, we decided to get an off-campus apartment together. We finally settled on Lakeside, and have called it home ever since!

 (See #6) 

You name it, we have literally been through it together. 

Performance frustrations, teammate and friend drama, nosy parents, boys boys boys, academics, life plans, laughing without breathing, countless inside jokes moments of success, embarrassing lows, 15 hour drives across the country, and even free falling 12,000 feet. I could have not asked for a better roommate, and the Lord certainly answered my prayers with this one!

Maddie is quite the golfer and will graduate from the University in December 2012. However, she has decided to turn pro, earn a spot on the LPGA tour, and she will DEFINITELY be one to keep an eye on! She begins her Big 10 Championship tourney today...so wish her a little luck :)

Although we will be miles and states apart, I know that I can always call her up for an honest and thoughtful opinon, a listening ear, and someone to join in my sarcastic sense of humor. 

Huge thanks to her for putting up with me and my craziness for four years...

There's no one I would have rather "grown up" with! :) 

1. My fellow Huskers

It's funny how fast relationships can form from the most unlikely situations. I truly believe that the Lord puts people in your life for a reason, and that's certainly true of my college experience. A majority of  my good friends I have met through UNL, and I couldn't have asked for neater people.

Some of them I've met through the dorms, my classes, hanging around the Hewit, or meeting at totally random places. Whatever the case, I adore the people I've met on this journey, and love spending time with each of them.

After this month, a majority of us will part ways but hopefully we will be able to keep in touch throughout the years. Our generation has plagued by social media, but hopefully we can use it to our advantage to somewhat keep updated on each others' lives as our paths grow farther apart.

Some friends have already moved away to different states, and I'm truly lucky to say that I know someone in almost every corner of the country! When I am older (and have a substantially larger bank account), I
can't WAIT to take trips to visit old college pals, catch up, and reminisce about our "glory days."

Somebody once told me that the more you hang around someone, the more like them you become. Therefore, the goal is to surround yourself with positive people that inspire and encourage you to be the best version of yourself that you can be. I believe each of the people in these pictures has shaped me for the better, and I hope all of your friends do the same for you. I've learned to never take for granted the time you have with someone, because you never know when it will end! Tell one of your friends how much you love and appreciate their company today :)

And so, the countdown is complete! For those of you who are familiar with ESPN's Top 10, you know they always have a "Best of the Best" at the end of each segment. So, you guys as my readers have a chance to tell me what you think is our "Best of the Best" memory together here at UNL or in the last four years. It can be any of the above, or remind me of another time...I'd love to hear 'em!

As you can see, I've had quite the magical journey, one that I couldn't have dreamed of planning out for myself. I've been so blessed to Build so many Briges these last few years by meeting incredible people, forming solid relationships, and accomplishing "impossible" feats. I'm so thankful for all the opportunities the Lord has given me, and can't WAIT to see what He has in store for my future!

Until next time,

Brig

This is a perfect verse and reminder for this particular fraction in time: 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace."

YOHO ...4, 3...

Today is my LAST official day of class as a UNL student and it's quite the bittersweet accomplishment. 

#4 and #3 define what I was proud to call myself these last four years: a Husker Student-Athlete.

4. My Classes

The reason you come to college is to get a degree, correct? Forever a teacher's pet/nerd (whichever you prefer to call me), I can still honestly say that I LOVE school. 99% of the time, I enjoy going to class and learning new ideas that force me to expand my thought process and challenge existing ideas. One of my goals in life is to never stop learning, and perhaps that's why I've chosen a career that will force me to keep testing, learning, practicing and teaching new ideas. Which shouldn't be too hard because you learn something new everyday, correct?!
Upon completion of my NUTR 455 final next Wednesday, I will graduate May 5th with a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Science with a GPA close to 4.0, but not quite (don't get me started...) On my right shoulder on top of my sexy black graduation gown will also be a fashionable (?) red and white tassel stating I graduated with Honors, thanks to 8 semesters of a little extra work, two seminars, and FINALLY completing and handing in this bad boy...

I loved my major and the classes I took were challenging and bothersome at times, but can honestly say I learned something in each one that I can apply to life. I learned how to cook, what effects all types of food have on the body, the names and functions of every single muscle, bone, and tissue, and what happens during every phase of exercise. As a woman, former college athlete, and now a runner and (hopefully) a future wife and mother, I can apply this knowledge daily, and hope to continue learning and teaching others as the years go by. The University also provided great learning environments for us to work in everyday. Tech savvy lecture halls, real life cadavers for Anatomy labs, all the chemicals you could want/need (for the right reasons...) in Chemistry, and all the Exercise/Health equipment you need for VO2 and Performance testing.

"Proud Dog"
PLEASE tell me someone has seen this 
walking down the hallway in Henzlik.
Gets me every time...

Learning is great, but there were a lot of other things that helped my class experience at UNL be as great as it was. I made a lot of good friends through this major. It was fun to see their smiling faces everyday, sit next to each other, talk about what happened this weekend, and try to hide our giggles when we were supposed to be paying attention. We all had our share of goofy professors with strange sayings and fashion styles, and survived those TAs that we couldn't quite understand. However, all of them were willing to meet us students halfway if we just simply asked for help.
Perhaps a hidden secret to my success is at lot of my friends and I were frequent users of "crack" to stay awake in class, or Crystal Light packets that you can put in your water bottle. (Underclassmen, I'd strongly suggest investing in some...) It will keep you alert and focused any time of day!

Why didn't I think of that?!

You laugh...until they come into
YOUR class

Random class shenanigans also provided a lot of laughs, such as girls with silly putty, karaoke for extra credit points, and Mortarboard/Innocence Society initiations. Who says that going to class can't be a good time??

3. Nebraska Volleyball
From the day I took my visit to UNL in the Spring of 2006, I knew it was the place for me both academically and athletically. I was lucky to have an amazing overall experience as an athlete, even though it certainly had its rough spots. I dreamed of playing for this program ever since I was a little girl, and for it to become a reality is simply mind-blowing and I wonder how I got so lucky...

Oh boy. Freshmen...

Now that my career is over and I'm "retired" at 22, I can look back with pride in hindsight of my career. Sure, the stat sheet or record books probably won't ever remember me, but that wasn't God's plan. From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew my role was going to be running Scout Team. However, it certainly wasn't an easy pill to swallow at times, especially the older I got and less I saw the court. When frustrated, I was always reminded by my coaches, mentors, parents, and other team members to keep working hard and doing what is right, because it's going to pay off someday. As my confidence in myself and faith in the Lord plan took solid hold, I made a choice to give 100% in every single thing I do to make this team better. This included every sprint, every lift, every rep, every ball shagged, and every cheer from the sidelines. This mentality still defines how I still try to live my life today. Like my good friend Johnny Wooden always said..."If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it over?"

Now THAT'S a B1 effort.

 I quickly took on the role of "servant leader", and tried my hardest to be the best teammate I could and lead by my work ethic example. Coaches and former players always reminded us that it's not about the end result, but about the journey. Some of the best times I will EVER have in my life were involved being apart of this program.

We are in HAWAIIIIII

Great Wallin'

 Traveling to Hawaii and China, early morning workouts, going crazy during camp season, constantly traveling in a group of 20, and just hanging out in the locker room. My teammates and I will have memories that will last forever, including inside jokes, life changing moments, and incredible experiences that not too many college kids get the privilege of having.

My Senior year, I recieved one of the biggest honors by getting voted Co-Captain along beside Willy by my teammates. I'd only played in four matches in three years up to that point, so it really meant a lot that they trusted me enough to be one of their leaders! 2011 proved to be a magical season for a special group that had each other's backs and was full of trust and love. This strong bond was especially proven mid-season, when we were faced with some adversity that could have tore us apart, but instead did the opposite. The weekend of Michigan/Michigan St. was one that I will NEVER forget. Not because it was my first start, or that we went 2-0 against two solid teams and kept our Big 10 dreams alive. It's because of all the LOVE I felt going into that weekend by the other athletes, students, the University, and people all around the state. It's incredible how much people do really care about each other, and how a few encouraging words can go a long way. However, the most amount of love came right around me on that 30 x 30 court, as 14 other girls had my back and made sure we got the job done. Together. The Lord provided my final and most important string of support that weekend, and my trust in Him was tested to the max as my teammates and I took the floor those Friday and Saturday nights in November.

                

                       This picture says it all.

Who says setters can't block?!?

 Although the end of the season didn't end like we wanted, it is so fun to look back on all that this team had went through and conquered. Brooke, Willy, and I shared an awesome Senior Night and farewell to the Coliseum thanks to the best fans in the nation. I will miss playing in front of that crowd every night and hearing the familiar roar to Steve Johnson's announcements and game commentary. If you haven't even been to a Nebraska Volleyball game, put in on your bucket list. NOW. Something special happens each year with that program and it's an amazing thing to have been apart of. I will NEVER forget my experiences, memories, or the people that came with them.
I will forever be proud to call myself a Husker.

Senior Families 

The life of a Student-Athlete was not always glorious, but in the end it was FAR worth it. I'm so thankful for the opportunities that I've had, and now can't even imagine a different college lifestyle.
Tomorrow is the last day of the week and the final parts of the countdown so hang in there everyone...the end is near! Have a good one :)

To be continued...