A fifteen-minute conversation while taking the shuttle from East to City campus was all it took for Bridget Sims Lewis ('91, '12) and Racine Smith Williams ('89) to become fast friends.
From there, they became college roommates, and ever since, they've supported each other throughout many life-changing moments.
"I think of being in Maryland before Racine had her firstborn. I think of being there when she got married. She and her husband traveled to Jamaica for my wedding. We have shared some of the lowest and highest points of our lives together," Lewis said.
A few years ago, the duo embarked on a new collaboration and project they'd never pictured themselves working on together—writing a children's book.
Their book, "Upside Down is Right Side Up," comes just as gymnastics fans prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the story, the main character, "PJ," enters the world of gymnastics. While learning about the sport, she has the opportunity to teach others about embracing and accepting differences.
It all started when Lewis called Williams early one morning in March 2021 to tell her she had a dream that they needed to write a children's book together. Williams, who certainly didn't consider herself a writer, drafted the story over the next couple of weeks.
”Over a period of three or four times when I couldn't sleep at night, the story would just come to me," Williams said. "I would get up the next morning and do voice-to-text into the notes on my phone."
After finishing the story, she sent her voice notes and her vision for the illustrations to Lewis and that was the start of "Upside Down is Right Side Up."
Surprised but equally excited, Lewis took on the role of researcher, using her journalism skills throughout the publication process, from seeking out and interviewing publication experts to editing the storyline.
"Upside Down is Right Side Up" brings aspects of Williams' life into play. Williams, who attended the university on a full athletic scholarship, was the first African-American gymnast to compete at Nebraska. She was recruited by more than 30 Division I schools, but ultimately chose UNL because of its reputation in athletics and emphasis on academics.
Williams graduated from the College of Education and Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. She also holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. Today, she works as a healthcare professional and has a professional organizing business.
Lewis is a corporate communications consultant and two-time Emmy Award-winning former television news producer. She studied broadcasting during her undergraduate years at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and earned a Bachelor of Journalism. Later in her career, she returned to get her Master of Arts in Professional Journalism.
Today, Lewis serves the university as an adjunct instructor at the CoJMC. She is also an Executive Board Member of the Nebraska Alumni Association and a member of the Council of Alumni Ambassadors.
In "Upside Down is Right Side Up," it was important to both Huskers that their love for Nebraska shined through. They also hope to inspire people of all ages.
"Whether they're a child, adult, teenager, or elderly, I hope our book encourages people to pursue their passion," Lewis said.
"If you pursue your passion, you will be so much happier because you're doing what you love to do," Williams said.
