This week has been exceedingly busy to say the least! We kicked off the week with the ribbon cutting of the new Black Bear Diner by the University Mall. If you haven't eaten there yet, plan to make it your next date or family night destination. The food is incredible and given in HUGE proportions. I recommend the Asian Chicken Salad!
Meeting THE Black Bear Diner Bear was definitely a highlight of the experience. Needless to say, it was a selfie-worthy moment.
Following the ribbon cutting, the owners allowed us to explore the new restaurant...
The Black Bear Diner Management and employees were so welcoming and conversational. I learned that all of the statues of bears at the diner are hand-carved by a man from Washington. How cool is that? Also, we loved the employees' uniforms which included suspenders and jeans. Any job is a good job if you get to wear suspenders.
The following morning, we attended the groundbreaking of the new Telos Academy. Telos Academy is a school which helps teenage boys who might be facing social issues, substance abuse, depression, learning disabilities, and the list continues. Essentially, it helps the boys find purpose in their lives and provides the resources required to help them achieve their academic, personal, and social goals.
A mother spoke of the benefits Telos has had on her family and her son's education. She explained how her son has a learning disability, but through Telos he receives a great education at a speed where he can process and comprehend it. A current student then sang a moving rendition of Michael Buble's "Home". Following that, a former student gave a testimonial of his experience at Telos and its impact on his life. He now attends the University of Utah - go Utes! - and will soon graduate.
After the speakers and performers, the groundbreaking commenced! Jackie and I had a blast digging in the dirt in dresses and heels.
I had the opportunity to meet several of the Telos students. They were all so friendly and easygoing and come from all over the country: Texas, California, Colorado, Florida, and so many other places as well. We got to talk about school, summer, and how they felt about Telos in comparison to public schools. It was so great to meet them all!
The following night, Jackie and I attended the ribbon cutting for a new home which had been prepared for a large family by the Habitat for Humanity of Utah organization. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization which revitalizes, repairs, and builds homes for people in need.
We were able to take pictures with the family which will inhabit the new home. Seeing the gratitude from the family towards those who helped build their home was very touching. They will be able to move in within a few short weeks!
We were also able to meet some of the directors of the Habitat for Humanity as well as their sponsors such as Wells Fargo and Nudge.
The next night we attended the "Princess Night" at the Orem Owlz game!
We met up with the Miss Provo Royalty at the event. It was great getting to talk to them and get to know them outside of summer parades!
It was a blast talking to little girls at the "Princess Night". They were so excited to see us in our evening gowns and crowns. Two little girls approached me and asked if I could come home and play Barbies with them. I totally would have, but I'm a big advocate of "stranger danger" ;)
There was face painting, hair styling, and girls dressed up as Disney princesses. It was such a fun night and a great way to provide something for the young girls to do while the boys watched baseball.
For the rest of the week, I spent time with my family. We attended the MOVE Live On Tour with Derek and Julianne Hough. Two words for Derek and Julianne: Great Genes.
We were lucky enough to meet these incredible people. Not only are they unbelievable dancers and singers, but they're also motivational speakers as well. The most important thing they told us was that in Hollywood, many people have E.G.O.s: Edging God Out. Throughout all they have accomplished, they maintain the perspective that God has blessed them with their abilities and their successes. That perspective is so rare and admirable.
I also attended the American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic Orchestra Concert featuring William Joseph and Caroline Campbell. I played in the Lyceum Orchestra until I graduated last year and so it was really different watching instead of performing. The music was so rich and flowed like melted butter on bread.
William Joseph is truly a genius pianist. He has accomplished so many things e.g. performing for the Vice President and Senators in Washington D.C. to name one. His music is just so soothing and resonates within anyone who listens.Then there was Caroline Campbell. I have never in my life been so awed by a violinist. She is so vivacious when she plays and she accomplishes the most technical moves on the violin as if it was nothing. She is one of the most in demand violinists in the world and has performed for Andrea Bocelli, Disney's "Frozen", and "The Hunger Games" soundtrack. I am inspired to become a better violinist because of her.
This week was abnormally busy but I wouldn't have it any other way. I was introduced to so many driven and ambitious organizations and people; being Miss Orem has truly opened so many doors already.
Today I am grateful for family. I've had my cousins from California in town for the whole week and spent time with them as well as with my aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, and siblings. Whether it be deep conversations, late night In-N-Out runs, Facebook posts, dance parties, or family dinners, I'm so grateful to have all of these people in my life. I am so blessed.
Love,
Jesse Craig
Miss Orem 2015-2016
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