Jess

The Irish took on the white dome ✌🏼☘️ • So grateful to see all these beautiful people this weekend ❤️Much love for the memories we created. ☺️ (at Speaker's Balcony, United States Capitol Building) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4sEEcDF3WC/?igshid=s04pladfjx1c

6 MONTHS! 6 MONTHS! 6 MONTHS! • If you couldn’t tell, I’m super excited that’s there’s only 6 MONTHS left until I get to marry my favorite goofball ❤️ • #couple #love #mylove #futurehusband #futurewife #wedding #engagedcouple #couplegoals #cantwait #lovehim #happycouple #weddingbells #bettertogether #longdistance #ldr #longdistancerelationship #closingthedistance #soexcited #lifeupdate #weddingplanning #gettingmarried #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundohio (at Uhl Love It Landscaping) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0680uDhccG/?igshid=1qomj62cdwppv

I know it’s been less than 48 hours...but you can come back now. • #selfie #couple #lovehim #misshim #engagedlife #travelcouple #travelgram #chicago #milleniumpark #windycity #chitown #myman #loveyou #team #travellers #wanderlust #weekend #saturday #weekendvibes #summer #summertime #vacation #getaway #seetheworld #citylife #city #travel #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundchicago (at Millennium Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0MZ88VBZuH/?igshid=10y477opmcgfg

Forever windy, forever lovely 💙 #chitown • 📸: @jack_wild94 #windycity #chicago #mykindoftown #lovethisplace #weekend #summervibes #summer #weekendvibes #getaway #travel #travelgram #love #happy #fun #weekendgetaway #letsgo #cityscape #river #scenic #downtown #city #citylife #cityview #view #traveller #travelblogger #seetheworld #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundchicago (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8gCUshlxm/?igshid=1opdxvqr74xr7

Day one, most fun! ☀️ • Super excited to be in Washington DC for the @caseadvance internship conference! Combining work and travel? Sign me up 😍 • Wanna know more about my trip to DC? Go to therollingexplorer.com and subscribe for future blog posts ☺️🌎 • 📸: @edward2015 #travel #workaroundtheworld #sightseeing #fun #internship #conference #networking #travelgram #selfie #friends #notredame #domers #monument #dc #washingtondc #travelbug #travelbuddies #explore #workandtravel #onthemove #seetheworld #capital #letsgo #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundDC #traveling #travelblogger #wanderlust #blog #travelblog (at Washington Monument National Monument) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzWyCdYFci2/?igshid=8i8yp6e0bfuw

Day one, most fun! ☀️ • Super excited to be in Washington DC for the @caseadvance internship conference! Combining work and travel? Sign me up 😍 • Wanna know more about my trip to DC? Go to therollingexplorer.com and subscribe for future blog posts ☺️🌎 • 📸: @edward2015 #travel #workaroundtheworld #sightseeing #fun #internship #conference #networking #travelgram #selfie #friends #notredame #domers #monument #dc #washingtondc #travelbug #travelbuddies #explore #workandtravel #onthemove #seetheworld #capital #letsgo #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundDC #traveling #travelblogger #wanderlust #blog #travelblog (at Washington Monument National Monument) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzWxkunFxNj/?igshid=1f2nia7le5ptq

Professionalism is the hot new trend this season...and that’s the tea sis ☕️😉 • Loving my internship with Notre Dame’s development department this summer. Couldn’t think of a better way to start life as an alumnus! ☺️ • Special thanks to my photographer team, Hunter Reh and @edward2015 • #graduate #alumni #graduation #work #workflow #lovemyjob #love #notredame #goirish #tea #summer #professional #motivation #inspiration #outfit #smile #young #grind #slay #empowerment #confidence #happy #outside #brunch #fashion #style #blogger #fun #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundnotredame (at Morris Inn at the University of Notre Dame) https://www.instagram.com/p/By86DI3l7Ka/?igshid=18kkpannx7jzy

Accessibility Awareness 3: Know Your Place • On my recent trip to London, I was denied access to a bus because a stroller was occupying the area designated for wheelchairs. The bus driver stepped off the vehicle and told Jack and I that we would have to wait for another bus to come along. In the time he took to come outside and talk down to me, a resolution could have been made. A child can be removed from a stroller very easily. Most people in wheelchairs aren’t so lucky. Everyone should be able to get around without the fear of having to wait in the rain for a bus that’s 10+ minutes away. If I was heading to a job interview, for example, those 10+ minutes could make or break whether or not I get the job. My tardiness, though completely beyond my control, affects my professionalism and overall image as a human being. In a similar vein, elevator use has become an increasing issue over the years. At Notre Dame, athletes were constantly on the elevators. I’m not sure of the reasoning behind this, but it often crowded the few elevators available in a given building. Most of the athletes would do their best to make room for me amongst the crowd, but the odd exception always frustrated me. If the building only has 3 floors, why should I be late to class because you decided to take up all the space? Realistically, if you see a wheelchair waiting behind you in line for the elevator, you should let them on first. If you are sat in a wheelchair access space on public transportation, you should move, without complaint, when necessary. This same argument can be used for everything from parking spaces to concert tickets. Living a good life in a wheelchair is very much possible, but when others abuse the necessary tools we are given to accommodate our needs, it becomes increasingly difficult to do so. Please, be aware of your surroundings and be compassionate towards the technology created to ensure equal opportunities are available to everyone. • • #access #wheelchair #handicap #caption #text #quote #awareness #change #positive #positivity #life #goodlife #lesson #learn #story #growth #accessibility #able #ability #starttheconversation #bethechange #challenge #speakup #1 https://www.instagram.com/p/By1DubXFDfE/?igshid=gmits6ie90u

Swipe to see why I can’t stop smiling 🎓 • An Instagram caption cannot properly express the gratitude I have for each individual pictured in this post, but I’m going to try anyways because they all deserve a special thanks after everything they’ve done for me. ~ First, and most importantly, my selfless parents have given me everything and more. They taught me from a young age to always put my best (and only) foot out into the world without looking back. They have indulged my roughest drafts and most wordy presentations, my desire to study abroad and the south Florida expedition of 2018, my exhaustion and my hanger. They have always supported my dreams, no matter how big, and measure my success in happiness, not numbers. I owe everything to the two people in the world that know me the best. ~ My choir director, Dr Andrew McShane, was such a role model to me over the past four years. Our conversations were often short and confusing, but we shared a “common affection” for music and for all the members of the choir. Working with him both in a choral setting and on the officer board was such a treat. He provided the perfect balance of entertainment and focus and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to make music under his direction. ~ Going into college, I was afraid to be my true authentic self, so I began my freshman year pretending to be something that I wasn’t. I didn’t lie, but I wore a mask and tried to be what others wanted me to be. My focus became my image and my grades and confidence suffered as a result. Luckily enough, I made a strong core group of friends this first year who encouraged me to emerge from the facade I had created for myself and to show the world the real Jess. I owe these four individuals so much for loving me even when I didn’t love myself. They taught me what real friendship was and helped open my heart to accepting new relationships. As the years have gone on, I have developed dozens of meaningful relationships with dozens of beautiful people. To each and every person that I have had the privilege of getting to know on a personal level, thank you for opening up your heart to me. I am so lucky to have such amazing... cont’d 🔽 (at University of Notre Dame) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByF6cq8F4gR/?igshid=aftxkr2a6823

The Liturgical Choir has been the most influential part of my college experience. I’ve been able to travel the world, grow as a musician, and meet some of the best people I’ve ever known. It’s been such an honor to sing in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart every Sunday morning at 10 AM. Even on the days when I’d rather still be in bed than up in the loft, after mass ends, I’m always happy to have begun my day with such wonderful music. I’m heartbroken that my time with the choir is ending, but I’m so grateful for the time I’ve had. 2 weeks left, but with full heart and voice forever ❤️ • Also, I’ve loved housing the stolen Basilica staff sign. Winning the choir spirit award was a great way to begin this final year and handing it off next week will be equally as fulfilling 💙 • #college #university #church #choir #music #love #passion #sad #beauty #nature #basilica #architecture #stunning #lucky #girl #blue #sky #trees #graduation #senior #hopsaroundnotredame #notredame #nd #lit #memories #funny #love #goodday #outdoors #hopsaroundtheworld (at Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxLuW6ul2NP/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=katbz3ysl8l4

The last class of my undergraduate education starts in less than 15 minutes. Crazy how fast time has gone! • Especially thankful for the people in pictures 2 and 3 as I reflect back on all of the help and support they’ve given me over the past 4 years. I’m very lucky to have such loving parents in my life 💙💙 • 📸: @dping7 #college #student #senior #blog #style #traveler #notredame #lovethee #love #school #fun #memories #happy #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #life #update #graduation #class #blogger #nature #flowers #church #sky #blue #white #floral #tree #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundnotredame (at Notre Dame, Indiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw5DEtFlgFt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=l6my118fow2i

Ability Awareness 2: Potty Problems ~ This is not a glamorous topic, but I promised honesty, not charm. One of the most frustrating parts of my daily routine is going into my dorm’s bathroom and finding someone in the accessible shower/toilet. I’ve asked for reminders to be sent out to my dorm regarding this issue, and, unfortunately, I’ve yet to receive a message in my inbox. Considering this problem extends beyond my dorm into other public restrooms worldwide, I thought it was time I remind the masses of bathroom etiquette. ~ Friends, please do not use the accessible bathroom if other stalls are available. Having extra room to take care of business is a luxury at home, but in public, by choosing to use that stall, you force me to wait until you finish. My wheelchair does not fit into regular sized stalls and I genuinely cannot get through a day at Notre Dame without staring at 3+ empty stalls as I wait for the accessible one to open up. It’s humiliating for me when you eventually come out. Also, your mumbled sorry means nothing if you turn around and do the same thing the next day. ~ Now, that said, if all the other stalls are in use, please use the accessible one, but use it quickly. Do not sit in there on your phone for 5 minutes. Get in and get out. Simple as pie. ~ I know that this specific part of someone’s day is usually accomplished without much thought, but if everyone just made a conscious effort to avoid the larger toilets when necessary, it would really go a long way in making me and other people in wheelchairs feel more respected. ~ Once again, thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions regarding this or other topics! ~ Look out for more educational posts like this in the future! • • #student #college #blog #blogger #truth #education #conversation #inspiration #motivation #quotes #quote #quotestoliveby #diversity #disability #awareness #knowledge #knowledgeispower #accessibility #wheelchair #handicap #grow #growth #action #love #loveyourself #honesty #life #strength #bloggerlife #blogging (at Notre Dame, Indiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw0nAGTF907/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1okety1y3cb59

I’m sorry for the things I said when it was winter 🌸🌼🌺 #spring • • #adventure #traveler #blog #nature #flowers #flower #floral #tree #beauty #natural #earthday #earth #world #outdoors #trees #green #sky #springtime #love #happy #travel #travelgram #photoshoot #lifestyle #smile #easter #beautiful #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundnotredame (at God Quad) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwnMmXQBnX3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10uqrt9px011u

He is Risen, so now I can (finally) sit 😅 • It’s been four years, and standing for the entirety of the Easter Vigil has not gotten any easier 😂 Happy Easter one and all! • #easter #fun #funny #chicago #art #holiday #jesus #blessed #happy #travel #bloggerstyle #takemeback #blogger #hopsaroundchicago #blue #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #life #mylife #photoshoot #hopsaroundtheworld #blog #wanderlust #weekend #weekendvibes #travelgram #traveler #college #student #style (at Lake Michigan, Chicago Lakefront) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwh4GUfB0u-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xlwqgxfwaxnj

Splish Splash ☀️🌊 • • 📸: @dping7 #lake #water #waves #blue #beautiful #fun #hair #color #bright #chicago #travel #travelblogger #travelgram #city #weekend #spring #summer #sunshine #wanderlust #adventure #happy #love #goodtimes #takemeback #blog #photoshoot #blogger #bloggerstyle #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundchicago (at Lake Michigan, Chicago Lakefront) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwVbckLFVjq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1iwxw22op75lz

Underestimate me. I dare you. 😈👌🏼 • • 📸: @dping7 #letsgo #success #life #lifequotes #happy #photoshoot #chicago #travel #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #travelgram #city #downtown #art #motivation #empowerment #strong #womenempowerment #college #adventure #wanderlust #beautiful #instago #instastyle #ootd #style #outfit #fun #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundchicago (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwP0tRHhAHb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hse5pcaykf41

My kind of town 🎶 • Loved getting out of the South Bend permacloud last weekend 😻 • #chicago #city #citylife #cityview #cityscape #view #travelgram #travelphotography #travel #travelblogger #traveling #traveler #wanderlust #ontheroad #fun #skyline #sky #park #weekend #weekendvibes #ootd #motd #happy #hopsaroundtheworld #hopsaroundchicago #windycity #usa #beautiful #goodtimes (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFUl7pBoH2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1o4674mzh56ef