Only child of two incredibly loving parents, I grew up in a wonderful home where imagination, perseverance and hard work were all highly valued. I attended Creekview High School in Carrollton, and now study English and geography here at UT Austin. I also work at the Office of the Dean of Students.

In my free time, I like to read; write; daydream; check out the art, theatre, film and music venues around Austin with friends; draw; hunt for good coffeehouses; flex my spontaneity muscles; meet new people; work out at the gym; take care of my hamsters Strawberry and Kiwi; grocery shop; go camping; travel; visit with my grandparents on Sundays; and most of all look for the magic in the everyday.

I was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare childhood cancer of the eye, at the age of 8 months. The tumor's malignancy necessitated the enucleation (removal of) my left eye, and since the age of one, I've had a prosthesis.

My Grammie, who fought brain and lung cancers just two years apart, is also a survivor. Sadly radiation damaged her motor skills, and now bedridden she depends solely on my Grandpa for care. That doesnâ??t, however, keep her from being the sunshiniest, most genteel woman Iâ??ll ever know and love.

Then five years ago Daddy was diagnosed with renal cell (kidney) cancer. Further testing revealed malignant nodules in the lungs, and one year later, in his lymph nodes. After three years of chemotherapy, biological shots, surgery, infusions, and multiple rounds of radiation â?? and two new heads of hair â?? he has entered remission, where thankfully he is today. He, like my grandmother, never seemed to lose composure or optimism.

I am utterly inspired by both these displays (Grammie's and Daddy's) of faith, strength and immutable spirit. My prayer is to bottle those secret sources of hope and, with God's help, share them with individuals battling the disease at present.