About Me

Profile

About:

When I first came to the University of Texas as a transfer student from a community college in San Antonio I was honestly clueless as to how the next few years would unfold. I was definitely expecting the academic change that involved an increased consumption of coffee and countless hours of sleep gone missing. I was still in the choose-a-career-path battle trying to find that balance between income and happiness without sacrificing either too much. And of course the “living on your own” learning curve crept in on me real quickly. But what I didn’t know is that even when things seemed to be scattered and out of control—an opportunity can present itself in perfect timing as the answer to your hardest question. My question had always been simple: “How could I choose my path, so that I could make a difference in the lives of others every step of the way?” And as soon as I saw the Texas 4000 recruitment table… I knew I had finally found my answer.

I’m Nichele Newman and I’m passionate about finding a way to give back to the world. My immediate family resides in San Antonio, where I was born and raised alongside my favorite character—my little brother Shawn—whom I am most proud of. We’ve been blessed to be under the wings of three wonderful parents (my mom, dad, and stepdad) who have taught me strength, love, and patience and how to apply those values throughout life’s journey. While I am away from home and cannot see them every day, they continue to give me inspiration to fly without boundaries. Happiness for me comes from seeing happiness in the lives of other people I am able to help and care for, whether they are in need or just going about their daily routines. After a semester here as a Longhorn I went from being a Pre-Pharmacy student to a Pre-Occupational therapy cancer fighter. Being a Certified Pharmacy Technician for four years I didn’t think I would change my major until I realized that my goals fit hand-in-hand with a career as an Occupational Therapist and that the flexibility to help others was endless. I’m passionate about specializing in Oncology and being able to work with children who have been affected by this awful disease.

Why I Ride

In 2011, I got the phone call that put Texas 4000 close to home in both aspects: biking and cancer. From training wheels to rough mountain climbing, my Dad has been my biking connoisseur for as far back as I can remember—and also my biking partner-in-crime. On March 13th, 2014 he passed away from stage IV prostate cancer that metastasized to the bone. Watching a man who has always demonstrated strength in my life weaken right before my eyes each new day was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I never believed that I could lose my daddy.

I quote my father, “I wish I could still ride, so I could go ride with you,” on a day where this was just beginning and I didn’t know that cancer had already made plans. And that is exactly why I’m here. We have no way of knowing the future and we can’t change the past, but how we decide to spend each new moment shapes a new future and creates that past. We don't know who it will affect next, but we know that many loved ones are no longer with us because of it. As the only family my father has left, my strength must be unfailing for him when he has very little remaining--and I extend that strength to the ones that are fighting or have fought the same battle my Dad did.

I ride to shape the future of cancer, and to create a past where that’s the only place it will ever exist.