About Me

Profile

About: I was born and raised right here in Austin, TX, but I’m very excited at the prospect of finding myself over 4,500 miles away in Anchorage in August of 2016! I grew up with two wonderful – and often goofy - parents and a talented little sister I love to brag about. During my sophomore year of high school, we added a fifth family member when we hosted an exchange student from Germany and I am now lucky to have a second family across the Atlantic. I absolutely love traveling, exploring the outdoors, and just being around others. Some of my fondest memories are from the countless nights spent in my family’s pop-up camper as we camped our way across the states (often to visit members of my extremely large extended family). I feel very fortunate for the family - and friends that might as well be family - that I have in my life, whether near or far; I know that I would not be who I am today without them.

I am currently a junior at UT and am studying psychology and pursuing a Bridging Disciplines Certificate in Children and Health. I have long known my passions lie working with others, especially in a health care setting, so I’ve enjoyed my time spent volunteering at Dell Children’s Medical Center and interning at KidWorks Therapy Services. After my time at UT comes to an end, I hope to attend graduate school to become a physical therapist.

Why I Ride

“Many small people who in many small places do many small things that can alter the face of the world.”

-- African proverb

I ride for everybody I know, and will know, who has cancer. I ride for my family, my friends, and their loved ones, that have been affected by cancer. I ride for my teammates, and for the those they ride for. I ride for the health of those I love.

This year alone, an estimated 1.6 million individuals in the U.S. will return from the doctor with a cancer diagnosis. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power, and am proud to have to opportunity through Texas 4000 to help raise awareness about cancer prevention and early diagnosis, and empower others in my community to do the same.

Most importantly, I ride for a cure. Fighting cancer takes an army. Though my own impact may be minuscule in the scheme of things, I am optimistic that the efforts of my team and the network of cancer fighters around the globe will help lead to great things. I remember a snippet of a blog post I read a few years ago. In it, the author (having just been diagnosed with cancer) expressed her fear that cancer would thereafter define her forever – whether as a victim or a survivor. I look forward to the day when cancer will not, and cannot, define anyone.