About Me

Profile

About: My name is Ryan Terrebonne, and I’m from Destrehan, LA. I was born and raised in the suburbs of New Orleans, and I know that I will be proud to call it my hometown no matter where life takes me. My family is very important to me, and I believe close friends are the family you choose. My mom and dad have always been the role models I needed in life. I would not be here at my dream school without their endless support and encouragement to follow my dreams. My older sister Macy is my inspiration. She recently graduated from Louisiana State University to pursue her dreams of becoming a high school math teacher. I am very blessed to have two of my grandparents still with us, and they are both strong individuals that I look up to on a daily basis. My best friend Tyler is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. He has been a huge part in me growing into the person I’ve become, and I could not be more proud of him. He is the brother I’ve never had. I’ve made great friends here at UT so far, and I cannot wait to continuously grow relationships with friends in this organization and beyond.

I am a sophomore Radio Television Film major. I love writing stories and dreaming up new movies that I hope to make one day. My goal is for the stories I tell to have significant impacts on others like many films, television shows, and novels have had on me. My hobbies include traveling, especially camping and hiking. The beautiful, natural world around us inspires me to write plotlines and characters that are rooted in my experiences but have relatable messages. While I by no means consider myself an athlete, I like to think I’m an active person. I also enjoy jogging, biking, playing tennis, and other less popular sports that people haven’t been perfecting their whole lives. Lastly, I can’t fail to mention that I love music. I was drum major of my band in high school, and I know that programs in the arts will forever have a place in my heart.

Why I Ride

From neighbors, to family friends, to teachers, I unfortunately know many people that have been affected by this horrible disease. Some are victims, some are fighters, and some are survivors. I ride for the hope that all of these individuals affected by cancer can have a better tomorrow.

The person that stays closest to my heart is my grandpa, and I ride for him. He passed away from colon cancer in 2001, but he has been one of the most significant influences in my life. Although many may find this hard to believe since I only knew him until I was about five, I have so many memories with Papa that I will cherish forever. He was all I could ask for and more. I will strive to be like him with my children and grandchildren. Every accomplishment I’ve had to date I just imagine how proud he would be of me. He keeps me going, and I really want to do this for him. He was a fighter, and he has given me hope when I’ve had none.

Recently, my other grandpa has unexpectedly passed away as well. He was the man who probably understood my love for the outdoors the most. Gramps was so excited for me to have this adventure and truly life-changing experience. I know that he will be with me every day on the ride and forever. I hope to travel half as much as him and my grandma did in their lives. I cannot wait to see all of the places they have talked about for so many years from their trip to Alaska.

I ride to be a part of an incredible organization that inspires individuals all around the world. I hope this ride will be a healing process for all of the lives that are touched and all of the lives that have been broken by cancer in the past. Whether it’s one of my teammates, someone we meet on the road, or someone who donates to the cause, everyone is part of this fight. I want everyone to know that they can make a difference in this world and that they can accomplish any dream that they pursue with a burning passion. Life is what you make of it.