Today I want to write a little something about my best friend Brianna Becker. She is no longer with us anymore but she still finds a way to motivate me. Let me give a little history on Brianna. She was the first person I met when I came to UT in the Fall of 2006. We met at the Castilian, where we were roommates. The first time she ever saw me I was bawling like a baby because I had just broken up with my high school boyfriend. Right away she was very inspirational and hopeful, and helped me deal with what I, at that time, thought was the end of the world. She was always a great friend, we would lay in our twin beds at night that were merely 3 feet apart and talk about everything and anything. She was the first person I ever shared some of my most intimate secrets with and vice versa. We lived together for three years and went through everything together. She also understood me in ways that most people don't. No matter what kooky idea I came up with that day she never failed to be supportive and help me out anyway that she could.

And that's where Texas 4000 comes in. When I originally told her that I wanted to try out for the team and ride my bike to Alaska, she simply smiled and said "That is something you would do Karen, most everyone else flies or drives but you have to find the most difficult way possible and do it." She knew it meant a lot to me and asked me regularly if I had heard if I made it. Finally one night I got the news that I made it and was estatic. She was so proud and happy for me. Then when I started my fundraising, I decided I would do the infamous task of panhandling. I think she was more excited about it than I was. Sure enough that day as I set up on the side of the road, I saw her driving towards me with a check in hand and a big smile on her face. She wanted to be one of the firsts to donate and she was. That meant the world to me.

One of the things I really miss about Brianna is how excited and encouraging she was about all of my endeavors. She never failed to reassure me that I could conquer anything I put my mind to. Lately I have been thinking a lot about her and of course missing her. I was struggling to get up a hill on Loop 360 last Friday and I thought of her encouraging words and attitude and I think it helped me up the hill, or at least took my mind off of the incline and more down memory lane. Whatever the case is, Brianna is gone but still motivates and provides encouragement for life's obstacles. Every time I get on my bike I think about her and how proud of me she was, and it inspires me to keep going throughout life's tougher moments.