About Me

Profile

About: Hi, my name is Shawn Killian and I am a freshman here at the University of Texas at Austin from Chicago. Back at home I was very involved with sports. I pole vaulted all four years at Glenbrook North High School. Outside of track I played the tuba and even dove for a brief season.
Here at Texas I love being part of Texas 4000 for Cancer. It is one of the most rewarding organizations I have joined. Along with Texas 4000 for Cancer, I decided to row last fall for Texas Crew and have fallen in love with the sport. It is very demanding because I wake up at 4:30 a.m. and push my body to its limits every morning. But I love seeing my hard work pay off when we race! I'm also involved with the orientation program at UT. This summer I will be an orientation advisor for incoming students. This means I will help the incoming students register and get acquainted with campus over the summer. At the end of the summer, I will be a counselor for Camp Texas, which is a camp for incoming students designed to aid in the transition to college.
Other passions of mine include running, reading, and getting to hang with friends. I'm also very into anything circus related. I like to juggle and unicycle. I even went to circus camp when I was younger. I always try to keep an open mind towards life by always trying new things!

Why I Ride

I ride because Cancer doesn't just affect the patient but the loved ones around them as well. I grew up across the street from a good friend of mine named Linzey. At the age of 6 she was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of brain cancer, and was given a year to live. Against all odds, she proved every doctor wrong that year and survived her cancer. It came back a few years later, and again she fought through. Her will to live gave her the strength to survive against all odds. Unfortunately, as it came back a third time with a force she could not beat. I lost my friend when she was only 16. I ride because no person should ever have to live through what Linzey went through. I ride because I dream of a world where no doctor will ever say the words, "you have cancer". Linzey has always inspired me with her strength and will to live. I ride to honor her life, her strength, and her family.
I also ride for various family members who have fought and are currently fighting this disease. Family is very important to me and it is hard to see a loved one face the difficulties cancer brings forth. I ride in honor of those affected and in support of their fight against cancer.