Hello Illini Nation!!

Feels just like yesterday when I was writing my last Chip Shots for NCAAs, and I'm excited as ever to return writing as an alum! This past weekend I had the opportunity to be back with the Orange and Blue for the Illini Invitational at Medinah.

The Illini made their way up to Medinah Saturday afternoon and I got to join them at the Gattone home for a delicious dinner. It was great to catch up with everyone, and the familiarity of being surrounded by the team came back instantly. It was like I had never even left!

On Sunday after the practice round, dinner was hosted in Medinah's ballroom. Just like last year, its beauty caught me off guard and I was reminded of the history of Medinah and how many memorable players made their mark here. Even though I was just spectating this year, I knew I would be just as star struck walking the course as I was last year.

Monday rolled around, and it was the perfect day for golf. It was incredible for me to be able to see the team in action once again, and I found myself waving to team members across fairways, just like I did only 5 months ago. It's amazing how engrained waving can become :) Looking from the outside this year, it was clear that Illinois holds themselves with class, truly proud of the school they represent.

I am now working as an electrical engineer for Sargent and Lundy in Chicago where I prepare drawings and provide support for substations. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't use the skills I've obtained as a student-athlete. Having both golf and school at the same time was no easy task, but it has taught me discipline and the importance of grit. Work isn't sunshine and rainbows all the time, but it's the hardest times where it's most important to stick to your process and use available resources. I have learned the power of gratitude throughout my college years. We got to travel to incredible places and play amazing golf courses with extraordinary people, is that even real life? At the time, it was harder to stay in the moment with the stresses of college life, but looking back on it I only remember the laughs, memories, and lessons learned stretched across 4 years. This has taught me to be grateful for every moment and to appreciate every opportunity to the fullest, because it all goes by so fast. I go to work excited to learn and embracing all the opportunities presented because I know I will look back one day and be thankful for everything I've gained.

Go Illini! 

Bing Singhsumalee