Finally, Vacation!

In college, we “studied” so hard for finals that they would grant us three to four weeks off of school! Where did the corporate world go wrong? Where did the United States go wrong? I look around at lunch and I see tired people. I look around at the gym and I see folks who are barely making it through a game of squash because they don’t have the time to stay in shape. I get upset when I hear my co-workers talk about how they can’t make their kid’s basketball game because they have to stay late at work. Hmm… maybe I was born in the wrong generation, or maybe I have always gone 100 mph and accomplished everything on my daily to-do lists that I’ve always been able to “do it all.” 

Pause.

Wait, have I ever been able to “do it all?” I’m always being pulled in 5,000 different directions. I look in the mirror and I see bags under my eyes. I see the intensity of my workouts slipping and I find myself turning my phone to airplane mode more often than ever before just to get some peace and quiet. Staying in on a Saturday night watching tear provoking romantic comedies? That has been happening way too often, especially for me, being the socialite-diva that I am. (Insert diva emoji here).

Although my personal Christmas break in college was on average 6 days, it was still 6 days away from “work,” away from the “grind.”

After working for 8 (almost 9!) months, I’ve realized I need a break. That is why my 6.5 day vacation beginning on Tuesday at 12:00 pm is fitting. I am headed to Boise, Idaho for my cousin Molly’s wedding and I am so tempted to keep my phone off the whole time… Okay, maybe just during the wedding celebrations…

Heading on a plane to Boise, to see family while being able to check out a new city and just live up the New Year is something I am SO excited to do. My vacation is coming at the perfect time, as I am a bit worn down from work. Why am I so worn down? I really think it’s because I haven’t had my 6 days away from work, away from the “grind.”

Rest is necessary, and I know now that utilizing my vacation time around the Christmas holiday from here on out is a must. 

Boise, Idaho… HERE I COME! Oh, and God Bless my cousin Molly with her soon to be husband Sean!

xx

"going to the chapel and we're gonna get married..."

6 Months

It has been six months since I started working in the real world. WOW. 

This week more than ever I really started to reevaluate my life, in large part because I was studying to take the GMAT exam to be used for my entrance into graduate school. I've always been extremely goal oriented (how could I not playing sports) and I've always had some sort of "life plan" written out. 

Studying at Starbucks...
Grande Non-Fat Vanilla Latte please

I'm not joking. When I was in 8th grade I wrote out a year by year plan for my life. It had details like when I was going to get married, how many kids I'd have, where I was going to work, where I was going to travel, when I was going to retire, and so on. When I last saw my grade school track coach, he asked me if I still wanted to be President of the WNBA. I could not help but smile because I remember writing a life plan and being so excited I finally figured out what I wanted to be, at the impressive age of 13. I had planned to go to Law School after playing basketball at a small college. I was going to work my way up through the Detroit Shock organization and into the WNBA's front office. I remember having a photo of not only Swin Cash hanging up in my room, but also Donna Orender, the President of the WNBA. 

Here I am almost 10 years later not working for the Detroit Shock (that would be impossible...) and not going to Law School. Rather, I am applying to graduate schools to further my education and receive a Masters in Business Administration. 

After six months of working in the real world I know that obtaining a masters degree is not something I should do, but something I need/want/must do. I cannot wait to head back to school. I want to continue to learn each and everyday at work and take everything I've learned, everything I am learning and all of the work experiences I am gaining off to my graduate classes with me in the fall. 

All afternoon I was browsing MBA programs and I am so excited. Not only will I be going for my masters degree, but I will be able to study concentrations of a topic (or maybe two!) that I am interested in, on top of business. These concentrations include accounting, information technology, leadership, healthcare, etc. I just hope somebody wants me to come study at their institution! 

So, what are my short term goals? What is my updated life plan? 

Six Month Short Term Goals:

Be admitted into graduate school

Enroll at graduate school

Continue to grow and learn at work

See Creighton & Doug McDermott play basketball

Spend a weekend unplugged

Get a passport

Finish my college scrapbook

Utilize my DAC membership 4x a week

Life Plan:

Travel

Smile more

Make a difference

Never stop learning

Pray everyday

Always own a pair of basketball shoes

... be President of the WNBA ;)

August Recap

The month of August was filled with high's and low's, lots of travel and "goodbyes" to my friends as they head back for their senior year of college. 

August kicked off with "HEDIS Week" at work, which is Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set Week. During this week at work the company's main focus is to educate the workers about HEDIS, the HEDIS measures and how to make our services that we provide to our members better and more innovative. HEDIS Week was so much fun because each day had a different theme to it and there were so many free goodies given away. 

From there, preseason football finally started. I went to the first Detroit Lions preseason game with two of my friends. We actually stayed for a fair amount of time, until we all looked at one another and didn't recognize any of the players out on the field in the 3rd quarter. It was at this game where I reconnected with a friend from St. Clare of Montefalco who I don't think I had actually hung out with since 8th grade. All of us went out and about after the Lions game in downtown Detroit. So, yes, this night was a huge high because I was  having fun in my city!! 

#OnePride 

Water is the hub of life. 

I went and visited my best guy friend's family (without him) in Brooklyn, Michigan. Wow. Their house is right on the water and it is oh so perfect. I loved spending time with my two sisters and Mr. & Mrs. Miller. I don't know where I would be without my friend's families because not only do my friends mean the world to me, but so do their families. 

When my main girl Carey left for school, I think I hit an all time low. It was a BIG wake-up  call because I didn't realize how much time I truly spent with her all summer, and how I would no longer have her to go golf with, or go shopping with, or go on a walk with. Literally, as soon as Carey left for school, I was tempted to put out an advertisement in the newspaper for "Friend Wanted." Rather, I just resorted to sending out a tweet - but no one took it seriously. "Calling any outgoing, single, athletic, funny, well-dressed, young professional females, ages 22-26 who are looking for friends. I'm it!!" OK, but seriously, with the month of September here, I'm focusing on making new friends. It's getting really old going out to eat with my parents, and out to drinks after dinner with them, and then coming home before I'd normally go out... 

I made a quick trip to Grand Rapids on my way to Chicago to see a few of my housemates from last year. It seriously doesn't even seem like I left Aquinas - until of course I meet new   freshman and they're way too uncomfortable and quiet around me. I loved being back though. Aquinas will always have a piece of my heart.

...But onto what I've been looking forward to for a few months now... CHICAGO.

The highest of the highs came on Saturday night- when I finally got to see my idol live and in person playing basketball. I was seriously on cloud 9, and I might still be, about being able to see her in play again! I went to see Swin Cash play and had a front row seat. The game was to clinch the #1 spot in the Eastern Conference and was a very good ball game until the Chicago Sky pulled away. Was it worth it going all the way to Chicago for a WNBA game? ABSOLUTELY. It's not crazy, it's sports. 

Front row. I was a little kid in a candy shop. Someone pinch me...

Oh, and while I was in Chicago, I spent some quality time with Carey, so that was the perfect ending to my first summer as a graduate. We went to this amazing place for breakfast on Sunday and I think I gained 4 lbs. just off of the cinnamon rolls they served there. So of course, I can't wait to go back. 

Well, football is back, the MLB is gearing up for playoffs and it's finally time I say goodbye to my Lilly dresses until the spring. 

Here's to another undefeated football season at Aquinas College!

xx

A Few State Championships Later

Always try and keep your promises, especially when they're to someone who means the world to you. 

My father missed the 2002 Little League State Championship game, coaching for Grosse Pointe Farms-City Little League, to take me to my first Detroit Shock game to see (and meet!!) my idol play against her former college roommate and teammate for the first time. 

I'm really not sure what other memory I have with my Dad that tops this one. My dad stayed true to his word no matter how conflicted he was. Thank goodness he was coaching with a great man, Mr. Getz, who told him to take me to the game. 

Getting to meet Swin Cash and Sue Bird, getting autographs and seeing them play each other in their rookie season, was better than anything I've ever received on Christmas morning. 

Everything seems to be coming full circle, because on Saturday, I'm seeing my idol play in person, eleven years later, for probably the last time. Chicago, here I come. Conway's seeing Cash one last time! 

Oh yeah, the Farms-City boys won that state tournament :)

xx #32

The last Detroit Shock game I ever attended!

(Another great memory I have of my Father was when he had his 2001 Little League State Runner-Up team come to a swim meet of mine to cheer me on. I was the 10-year old little sister who never missed a game of my brother's. Now, I swam like the 3rd event, the 17th event and the 37th event. My father just asked them to see me swim my first event, but the boys stayed for the WHOLE meet and cheered me on like I was racing for an Olympic Gold. Looking back, I probably should have lived up my popularity a bit more, but hey, I was just so excited they were there to support me. I'll never forget that.)

July Recap

The month of July could quite possibly be my favorite month of the year, even if it is when I somehow always get 3rd degree sunburns. Although it's so busy and just flies by, it is filled with so many perfect events, nights and weekends with my favorite people.

It all started with my company's summer work party which was held in downtown Detroit at the unbelievable and beautiful Campus Martius Park. I had a friend accompany me and I definitely met a lot of new co-workers, strengthened the relationships I had previously developed and took advantage of everything the party had to offer - especially the photo booth. Seriously, NEVER throw a big party without a photo booth...

Over the 4th of July, I had a "staycation," which was much needed after go-go-going since I started my position on May 13th. Finally finishing an overdue library book, doing loads and loads of laundry, hanging out with Granmo, organizing my room and watching season 1 of The Newsroom was how I spent 48 stress free hours. 

Then I spent two PERFECT weekends in a row up at Pointe Aux Barques with my best friend. Her cottage, #Cottage35, treated us to a much needed escape from our 8-5 jobs. 

I did not take this photo, but it is the best photo I've ever
seen that attempts to represent how beautiful PAB truly is.

My best friend and I on Thumbnail...
Literally, the very tip of the thumb of the Michigan mitten!
(I love when I get friends to represent Aquinas... Go Saints!)

My second weekend up at PAB was "The Best Weekend of the Year," which is also known as July Dance Weekend. This year, my best friend invited her college golf teammates up for the weekend, and most of them came (even her teammate from Indonesia...!!) I can't even begin to describe how perfect July Dance Weekend always is. Saturday night is my favorite part of the weekend because all the girls dress up in Lilly Pulitzer dresses, Jack Rogers and their grandmother's pearls. The guys sport different colored pants, their best Brooks Brothers bow ties/ties and sport coats. We take an absurd amount of photos before, during and after dinner, which is oh so annoying at the time, but oh so awesome come Sunday morning. The dance itself features a live band and dancers from the ages of 16 all the way up to 80+. From Sweet Caroline to Shout, it's always a night that will go down in the history books. 

The preppiest group you have ever seen, in front of #Cottage35

It's hard to follow a weekend at PAB, but fortunately the St. Clare Golf Outing gets that pleasure. The St. Clare Golf Outing Committee and Athletic Committee started working on this outing over Memorial day, and our recap meeting is tomorrow night (read: Finally, the golf outing is over! Wait, it's over??!) It truly is the only golf outing I've ever been apart of where I enjoy every second of it, regardless of the stress it brings. This year, everyone's hard work, planning, sales, marketing and donations made it the most successful outing yet! My best friend golfed with me, along with two of my friends from St. Clare (one just so happens to be my best guy friend). Although I arrived at the course at 9:45 am to set up, and did not get to bed until 2:30 am, the fact it was so much fun trumped my lack of sleep (and lack of coffee in my bloodstream). The golf outing was such a success that we ran out of open spots for golfers & golf carts at the course. At the after party, we even ran out of beer, food, utensils and plates!! Thank goodness they were quickly replenished by our awesome volunteers! :)

"Once a Falcon... Always a Falcon"

Even with all of the craziness the month of July brought, I was still able to volunteer a bit for the AAU Junior Olympics, coach basketball and give back to some young athletes, pass my 60 day evaluation at work (phewf) and do a bit of exploring in Detroit! 

"If you want to learn what someone fears losing,

watch what the photograph"

xx

Friends who become Family

It's amazing what people can mean to you, even when they're not "family." One of my little sisters is heading off to college tomorrow and it's so weird. This is the same girl who's basketball games I would attend when she was in 8th grade. (Side note, she was a premier basketball player, but she blew her knee out in an AAU tournament in 8th grade. During rehab, she began to row, and the rest is history... still in the making!) 

It seems like just yesterday I was losing my voice rooting for her 8th grade basketball team. Now, I'm trying to give her advice, courage and confidence as she heads to Charlottesville to experience the best four years of her life. Through tough work and perseverance, Janey has garnered a scholarship to college and will be on the Crew team. Knowing that Janey will be a part of a team is SO reassuring to me because I don't know what I would have done without my teammates during college. Teammates are your family at college.

This past week, Jane and I went out to dinner at Detroit's Green Dots Stable (which was delicious). Afterwards, we bought lotto tickets as it was on my 101 list to do in 1001 days. After I lost a whopping $4 on my lotto tickets, we went back to Janey's house. I did not leave Janey's house until 10:30 -  Janey left at 10:00. Seriously, it's amazing how friends turn into family, and how their families turn into friends, family, mentors, role models, etc. 

I come from a small family, but I've always gravitated towards friends with larger families, or at least families who have the same type of "doors always open" mantra. I guess I've always gravitated towards teams that have a lot of participants too! Every Sunday my mom cooks Sunday Night Dinner for our family and for my brother's God-Father, who has turned into our Uncle Bell. Every Sunday I extend the invite to friends, coaches from St. Clare, Bell's former students, etc. I want nothing more in life than to be happy, and I do this by surrounding myself with families and friends who are good people, great role models and full of love. 

The support Janey's family has given me is remarkable, but I just hope I can give their daughter (I mean my sister) a percentage of that same support in return. 

Here's to you, Jane, the world is your oyster. 

xx

P.S. Janey isn't my only "sister"... :)

Real World

I start work tomorrow. WOW. They say on average it takes someone 6 months to find a job after college, and I'm starting my  job a week after I graduated! This is where the hashtags come in... #blessed #thankful #hardworkpaysoff

Be confident and take action when a job opportunity comes around. Don't be afraid to negotiate and counteroffer. This being my first job that I've taken, I was unsure if I should negotiate pay. However, after talking to mentors, family, researching negotiation (Thank you, Levo League) and researching the position, I realized it could not hurt. In the end, I received an increase in my pay. 

Once I told my family and friends about the result and me getting a job, they were more excited about me for "asking for more." In the end, I would have been remiss to not make a counteroffer. 

My advisor in college said that she's never seen me nervous. Well, I guess I am a good actress, because I was sweating making the phone call! 

This college grad is off to work tomorrow! 

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone! 

xx

The End is Near

It's bizarre to think that a Conway has been at Aquinas for the past six years, because it seems like only yesterday that I was sticking my tongue out to my brother as he was heading off to a campus far, far away. Little did I know, two years later, that I'd be following in his footsteps, to attend the same far, far away college. 

A pre-graduation photo taken of me in my dress & cap! 

 Senior awards are tomorrow night. Graduation is Saturday. It's all coming to an end. It's the end of an era. 

A lacrosse teammate's mother made this sign
for Liza and I on Senior Day for basketball.
#AQFamily

As I look back on my four years here at Aquinas, I can hesitantly say that I've left my mark. I'm going to miss watching my friend Michael steal second base, standing up, at baseball games, but not nearly as much as I'll miss getting to talk to his parents. I'm going to miss my coach and the Fab 4. I'm going to miss Yesterdog, Schnitz's, my Starbuck's in East Grand Rapids and the friendly bank tellers at Bank of America. Aquinas is a special place. It's going to be weird going a week without seeing Sr. Aquinas, Sr. Ann or Sr. Rosemary. Everyone always complains about Campus Safety ticketing their car, but after four years, I've only ever received one ticket, and I have parked where I'm not supposed to park on too many occasions... so thanks for looking out for the Fusion, Campus Safety. I'm going to miss Wege brunches, the beautiful flowers that bloom every spring on campus, the college stories that never cease to amaze, Homecoming, Regina Hall, the library that's always too hot, the Moosters, the baseball boys, my lacrosse babes, my best friends and my schoolmates. 

Aquinas College Homecoming -  Go Saints!

Aquinas, thank you for an unbelievable four years. Without the education I received here, I would not be able to write a "cold-call" networking email, or get up in front of two hundred people and confidently deliver a speech. We don't give Aquinas the praise it deserves. So, leaving my mark here at Aquinas is one thing, but I can without hesitation say that Aquinas has left it's mark on me, and my entire family.

xx The Graduate

Moving Back Home

In about two weeks, I'll be moving back into my parent's house. My parents are totally fine with this and are encouraging it, but I on the other hand am very apprehensive about it and want to continue my freedom and independence. I mean, hello, I am a college graduate moving back into my childhood room with it's North Carolina blue painted walls, twin sized bed, shelves lined with trophies and every photo I've ever printed out on my ribbon boards. (Thankfully when I was home this past weekend, I prepared my room for the big transition by putting every trophy, medal, photo frame, scrapbook, and old memories into a box.)

I don't know why, but I always feel obliged to show people
a photo of the beautiful high school I attended.

The room congestion aside, the hardest part will not be having my parent's in my personal space, but running into parents, old coaches, friends and old teammates. Other than hanging out with a select few people when I have gone home in the past, I tend to keep a low profile. If I go out, there's a slight chance I'll become "bitter" and extremely negative about seeing everyone I thought I left. This time around, I can't act like this. I can't think about going back to Aquinas, because I am graduating and Aquinas is soon to be in my past.

Sophomore Year Volleyball Pink Out with my friend Jon!

 I can't describe my college friends in a blog post. I could talk for hours about how great a guy Jon is, or how hilarious Liza is, or how caring (once you get to know her) Taelor truly is, or about how serious Abby can be, or about how Rachael is always there for me, or how Mikey brightens up my day, or how forgiving Prince Harry is. In the end, my Aquinas family has been there with me through a tough first semester, six seasons of basketball and lacrosse, an interesting junior year and a fabulous senior year! I grew to who I currently am in front of and with my Aquinas friends. I cherish each and every memory I've made here. I know going back home and leaving my college friends will be hard, but four years ago, I left my high school friends, and wasn't that hard? I'm not sure if I actually was sad to leave all of my high school friends, but I am excited to catch up with them, maintain friendships with my AQ Saints and continue to make new friends each and every place I go. 

Moving back home won't be that bad. I don't have any ex-boyfriends (PHEWF!) that I'll run into... but there will be old coaches, and teachers, and high school classmates who's names I've forgotten, and... and... and...  Oh well, at least my rent is free!  

A group of my high school gang after a friend's graduation party! 

xx

In Light of the Meteor Shower Tonight

If you're every lying on a beach with 80 billion grains of sand beneath you,

700 thousand ocean waves before you,

60 million stars stretched out above you,

And you're still not at all impressed,

I want you to think about this:

The light you see reflecting from the stars is over one million years old.

Wow.

But then, just before you start to feel,

like a mere blip in the gigantic scheme of things,

please remember this:

Yes, you are small, but you're also irreplaceable,

and invaluable,

and miraculous.

Those stars don't have anything on you.

_____________

I don't know who wrote this poem, but a swim coach I idolized when I was a child gave this to me for my 11th birthday. I have had it on my desk ever since and I used to rehearse it every morning when I was getting ready for school. Just remember - whether it is a boy you're going up against in the final round of lightning, a classmate you're up against for a debate or the thousands of applicants applying for the same position as you - you have your own unique characteristics to bring to the table and don't let anything intimidate you, not even a sky full of stars.

"No one can make you feel inferior

 without your consent" - Eleanor Roosevelt

xx

What I've Learned, Part 1

College is the place where you find your bridesmaids and never miss a fraternity's party, right? Well, thankfully for me I only want 2 people in my wedding party and that Aquinas does not have Greek life. 

1. Patience - I am a very impatient person, and I used to be a lot worse. I tend to be impatient about a lot of things, including my love life, teaching my mother something new on the computer, the offense progressing, shopping, and lastly, school work. Seriously, I was that student that if I could not grasp a concept or solve a problem my first two times trying, I would move on/skip/pretend/guess it. I am not sure when the revelation occurred, but I have become much more patient when doing school work. I will re-read directions, take a deep breath and figure out the assignment I am doing. I look back and think about all the times I "gave up" on an assignment or theory because I was too impatient and antsy to sit down and solve it, and I think about how much more I could know (or about how much better my GPA could be...). But hey, at least I figured this personal issue out before I started graduate school and a full time job.
2. Events on campus - Aquinas is a small college, with 2500 students enrolled. However, Aquinas offers so much on campus in terms of resume builders, student events, athletic event, arts & music shows, community service opportunities, religious retreats and much, much more. I have realized that over my four years of college that although I have attended many more events than my fellow classmates, I have not attended enough to satisfy me. Being at Aquinas, I want to pass on to the other Saints that it is okay to attend a basketball game alone, or head to a baseball game with a group of friends even if you don't know anyone on the team, or even to a senior's clarinet recital that you haven't talked to since freshman year, or to organize a group of your friends to go cleanup a park on a Saturday morning. Aquinas has so much to offer and we barely take advantage of anything. I have really been living it up at Aquinas this last semester, trying to fit everything in, even if I have to go to events alone. I want to take this mindset into the real world with me to make sure I sign up for a volunteer association, to attend happy hours that are organized by a fellow young professional, to step out of my comfort zone and sign-up for a recreational basketball league. I want to make the most out of my life, and I want each one of you to make the most out of your college experience, especially if you attend Aquinas. In the end, attending the Career and Counseling Services workshops and participating in CAVA's Clean the Streets service activity will totally be worth it.
3. Go out - I am not advocating to go out every night, but rather once a week or when you have the time to. I understand how academically challenging college can be, but learn to prioritize. I have found that if you want to go to the "Jersey Party" on a Saturday night, but have a three chapter exam on Monday, to study during the day on Saturday, rather than at night. Whenever I have stayed in on a Saturday night (Yes, I know... hard to believe me being so popular and all) it defeats the purpose because I am unproductive and wish I was out and about wearing my Kobe Bryant throwback jersey like the rest of my friends. I am by no means saying to go out every single night of the week, but if you learn to have balance in your social and academic life, you will enjoy life as a whole more. 

   

   My family and I on my brother's
    graduation day just two years ago! 

   4. Drink coffee - I still can't stand the smell of coffee, or the taste of black coffee, but I am thankful for the energy and life coffee has given me when I have been near death. I think this coincides with my patience post and being determined in getting the job done, but coffee has come in clutch this past year when the only thing on my mind is taking a nap. Oh, learn how to make coffee because it will save you a ton of money rather than heading to Starbucks like me whenever I crave it. 

Think of college as a marathon... not a race

xx

Lilly Pulitzer

The brand Lilly Pulitzer will always fashion inspiration. 

Rest in peace Ms. Pulitzer!

.

xx

Senior Days

Senior Days are always emotional for each athlete, family and teammates. You want to send your teammates out in style, as a senior, you want to play your best game to date on Senior Day, and as a parent your emotions are ________. (I'll let you know...) Today was the AQ Women's Lacrosse Senior Day, and I was so excited to see two of my housemates, and two of my former teammates get recognized for all of their accomplishments. I played lacrosse my first two years at Aquinas, and have been the team's statistician my final two years. Although I am not technically on the roster, I love the lacrosse team as if it was my own. I feel as if these girls are genuine, fun and competitors. Lastly, the lacrosse team's parents are phenomenal... I could go on and on about the Terebinski's, McCarty's, Flewelling's, Roger's, Barrett's, Morrow's, etc., etc., etc. On every team there is drama, but at the end of the day, it's all about being able to put it behind you and compete.

The AQWLax Team photo at half time of the game today!

The girls presented me with flowers and a gift card
for keeping stats for team. 

Don't get me wrong, I loved playing basketball at Aquinas, but the team's cohesiveness this past season was not something I was fond of. Actually, it irritated me and kept me up on numerous nights because I could not figure out how to get us all to click and be happy. However, I was extremely pumped and motivated on my Senior Day, because my best friend, Ben, was coming to my game and he hadn't seen me play since high school. My parents and brother were also coming. A lot of AQ friends were there as well, including my brother's old housemates, my housemates and other parents that I've bonded with throughout the years at AQ (Yes, the Terebinski's made it!!). Senior Day for basketball was a "win or go home" game. We ended up losing 81-75, but I was most happy that my team for the first time in what seemed like forever went out leaving it all on the floor. We finally competed and hustled after every loose ball. Personally, I just wanted to play like the old Clare used to play; reckless, tough and mean. Thankfully, I did, at least in the second half. Although we did not win the game, I was content to finish the game without any regrets, and I made my last shot (...Something I told myself I HAD to do. I did it in high school too!)

Senior Day with my parents and coaches

I was blessed to be able to play basketball for all four years in college. Now, I came in with four girls, Liza, Karp & Tae and in typical girls basketball fashion, all three have hurt their ACL's. Karp & Tae redshirted their senior season, but will be back next year for redemption.  I was blessed to have never seriously hurt myself in 16 years of playing basketball (one serious sprained ankle during the summer was it!) I was blessed to have the BEST parents, who never said a negative thing to the AQWBB coaching staff. I was blessed to have my parents, family, and friends at so many games that it added as an extra inspiration to play harder. Lastly, I was blessed to make my best friend, Liza. These four years of college would have been dreadful and uneventful without her by my side. So, thank you Coach Nash for bringing Liza and I into the women's basketball program because at the end of the day, playing four years of basketball was worth it. 

The Original Four at Nationals, 2010!

The Original Four, Senior Day, 2013!

When it's time for your senior day, or your last hurrah at whatever it may be, go out on top and end on a make because it will make the end bearable. Thank you, Aquinas College family for making my four years here better than what I could have ever expected. 

xx

Time does fly

Four years ago I was a senior at Grosse Pointe South High School. 
The University of North Carolina, lead by Tyler Hansbrough, won the NCAA Men's National Championship. 
My basketball team was conference champions for the first time in 17 years. 
My track team won Regionals. 
I drove a Jeep.
I could not wait to leave high school.

After a successful attempt at high jump with Coach Lamberti

Before Grosse Pointe South's Senior Prom with
a friend I've had since KINDERGARTEN!

The Class of 2009 Varsity Girls Basketball Players

Now, I'm getting ready to graduate from Aquinas College in a month.
The University of Notre Dame Women's team is in the Final Four for the third year in a row.
My basketball team in college went 12-16 and underachieved in the WHAC Conference.
I run a few miles here or there to maintain my cardio... and because deep down I enjoy it.
I drive a Ford Fusion. 
I don't want to leave college.

One of my first games of my Senior year

Senior year Homecoming with some of my favorite AQ Saints!

Wow. Time has flown by. I have changed. I have learned. I have flourished. 

Oh, I leaned in!

Thank you, Sheryl Sandberg for inspiring me today during Levo League's "Office Hours." We all need to read her book Leaning In as soon as possible! It's next on my list, once I finish Jay Bilas' book! 

Stereotypes

Having a prom date or getting voted most likely to succeed? 
Well, Ms. Sandberg said, "You can decide its better to be most likely to succeed than to have a prom date, because it is." 

After this dance, I learned to always believe in myself

I could not agree more. I went to a few proms in my day, but I went to my high school's junior prom without a date and I treated it as the worst night of my life. I went in a group of 7 couples and myself, rather than in a group of girls without dates. I cried (yes cried!!) at photos because I was so ashamed (yes ashamed!!) of myself for not being "worthy" or "pretty" enough to have a date to silly junior prom. I left this dance approximately 45 minutes after I got there. Every time I look back on this memory, I become so disappointed in myself because I should have been more confident about going to a dance alone. All of the other proms I went to, I went with dates, and they were all awkward, dreadful and not fun. Although I didn't win "Most Likely to Succeed," I did win "Most Athletic," and that's something I'm more proud of than having had dates to dances, because I worked hard at sports my whole life and was well respected by my peers to receive all their votes. 

(After junior prom, I changed for the better and became more confident. I went to 6 dances senior year and had dates to all of them. Coincidence? I'd like to think so, but then again, it's just a silly dance.)

Stereotypes. My whole life I've defied stereotypes and redefined who I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to do (Like when I played Little League on an all boys team... and played middle-infield.) However, when it comes to the work force, I want to bring a skill set that is admirable and I want to change what is expected of women. I am a young professional, and I want to be prepared for everything that will come my way. Ms. Sandberg has defied stereotypes by being a female C.O.O. and raising a family. She taught me today that by leaning in and committing to my career, I will then develop balance. I could not agree more and I am excited for the upcoming challenges my future holds!

Don't call the little girl on the playground bossy... 
"She's not bossy, she has executive leadership skills"

xx 

My Favorite Easter Basket

The Easter Bunny spoiled me this year. I received two books from two of my basketball idols; my favorite player, Swin Cash and my favorite basketball analyst, Jay Bilas.

I am halfway through Cash's novel, and so far it is just reiterating why I have idolized her since I was in 5th grade. Having played collegiate basketball, dealing with the ups and downs in high school and college, fighting through back spasms, playing with stress fractures, but always having my faith and family to lean on, I realize Swin and I have so much in common. Swin truly is an inspiration to me and I'm thankful for that. 

Toughness is a novel that has had fantastic reviews. All coaches, no matter what sport, have been told to read this. All competitors, regardless if they play basketball or not, are told to read this. Every chapter has personal stories that teaches, develops and emphasizes the necessity of being tough, not just in basketball, but in life. Any book written by Jay Bilas is worth reading, I mean for goodness sakes, the man has fantastic basketball knowledge. One word of advice, follow Jay Bilas on Twitter because his tweets are meaningful and quite funny as well! 

I love basketball, and I love books about basketball. Every book I've read by anyone with a high basketball IQ has post-it notes and highlighters all throughout them. Thank you Easter Bunny for these two books! 

"To give up is to fail, because in losing you may have 

still won, because within you have conquered your 

fear of never giving up." -Swin Cash

xx- A Basketball Junkie

P.S. You'll never believe this.... I tweeted a photo of these two books to Swin Cash and Jay Bilas and I got a response back from BOTH of them! 

March Reading

Every year during March, Aquinas College and the Student Athlete Advisory Board promote their student-athletes to go to local grade schools to participate in March Reading Month. Over the past four years, I've enjoyed this service opportunity more than any other service venture I've done while being at Aquinas. 

I love to read, whether it's reading a novel, a blog, a newspaper or out loud to the seventeen animals I used to line up in my room and pretend that they were my class. There is just something about reading to a group of energetic elementary school students, who's eyes light up like it's Christmas morning, when we walk into the classroom. Having played collegiate basketball (and lacrosse), it is at this moment that regardless of where I played, Michigan State, Grand Valley State or Aquinas, it is still a HUGE deal. These kids look up to us and strive to be us! 

Today was the last day I will ever read to a classroom as an Aquinas College student-athlete. I have enjoyed the opportunities the past four years to do this (yes, even the two times I dressed as our Saint Bernard dog mascot "Nelson" and nearly sweated to death) and I hope to read to more classrooms in the future as a business professional. 

My reading buddies for the day! 

Future Aquinas College Saints with some currents Saints!

"Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life"

xx