About Me

Profile

  • Route: Ozarks
  • Ride Year: 2015
  • Hometown: The Woodlands, TX

About: My name is Tatiana Jessen. I am the proud daughter of Rob and Hege and big sister of Shane. I was born in the eclectic city of San Francisco, California and moved shortly afterwards to The Woodlands, Texas. Throughout middle and high school, I was involved in all sorts of activities, ranging from karate to competitive volleyball. I also actively pursued my passion for both volunteering and traveling during my free time. Some of my travels included visiting my extended family in Norway, studying abroad in Spain, and volunteering and backpacking across South America.

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin. I am enrolled in the McComb's Business Honors program and the Bridging Disciplines Program with a focus on Social Entrepreneurship and Non-Profits. Apart from Texas 4,000 for Cancer, I am a member of the Longhorn Entrepreneurship Agency and am a Camp Texas counselor. I also am an avid runner and rock climber and have a love for the great outdoors. After my four years at UT, I aspire to join the world of entrepreneurship and dedicate my career towards giving back to others.

Why I Ride

From the plains of America to the bustling cities of China, cancer has maneuvered itself into all corners of the world. In 2013 alone over half a million Americans lost their lives to cancer. This fact in itself is staggering and demonstrates that change is needed. And I joined Texas 4000 for Cancer to help lead the change towards finding a cure.

I ride for my Aunt Ellen. In 2013, my family received news that Ellen was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was the first incident that cancer had come into the life of someone very dear to me. Suddenly cancer transformed from a global issue discussed on television to a tangible reality for my family and I.

I ride for the masses. Throughout my life, I have always found great fulfillment in dedicating my time and efforts towards positively impacting the lives of others. And I believe that Texas 4000 will allow me to give back to my community in a profound way. I dedicate my ride to all of the lives affected both directly and indirectly by cancer; the victims, survivors, and loved ones. I ride to provide them with the assurance that there is someone out there riding for them each and every day. During my last school semester as a member of Texas 4000, I've witnessed firsthand the inexcusable amount of pain and suffering caused by cancer. And I am determined to help put a stop to it once and for all.