Where do I start…I am from Menard, TX, which is a small town, and when I say small, I mean very small—population 1,606 to be exact. I graduated with a class of 33 (no joke), and spent my weekends driving down dirt roads and making 45-minute trips to the next town with a Sonic, just to turn around and drive back. Life in a town with only one stoplight has made me into the well-rounded woman I am today. My sister (17) is my best friend and is supportive of “almost” everything I do. My parents have been my backbone from day one and instilled in me the important values of doing my best and never giving up. The small community of Menard has become my second family and I always have someone to turn to. Attending a 1A high school of about 100 students total, I was able to participate in all sports and UIL programs. This has given me the chance to experience many challenges and accomplishments that most students in 4A and 5A schools never have the chance to. Becoming a student at the University of Texas was an adjustment, but has opened my eyes and expanded my horizons. From predator hunting to cheering at football games to snowboarding in Whistler, B.C., I feel that I have been fortunate to experience a plethora of different adventures. Even with this, I am up for an even greater challenge that will fulfil my heart.

I ride for Carolyn German (July 20, 1995 – April 2008)

For four years our family’s hunting business has worked with Brigid O’Donoghue, founder of the U.S.S.A. (United Special Sportsman Alliance) and provides a critically ill or disabled child with a chance to hunt. During Christmas break of 2007, Carolyn German and her family were sent to us by Brigid and left an impact on our entire family. Carolyn was diagnosed with Rhabdomayosarcoma (RMS). She was accompanied by her father, mother and younger brother. During the few days that they stayed with us, I developed a strong bond with this family; one that I never thought possible with someone I had just met. Carolyn had the positive spirit of any normal kid and didn’t seem to let her illness stop her from living her life. After she and her family returned to their hometown, Tomball, TX, I continued to keep in touch with them. That February, Carolyn was admitted to the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Her tumor had taken over every internal organ in her body and was now growing outside of her. My mom and I made the five-hour drive to Houston to let Carolyn know that we had not forgotten about her. It was a surprise visit and even though Carolyn was dependent on high doses of morphine, she managed to show that high spirit and positive attitude. She allowed us to see where the tumor was exiting her small, frail body, which left my mother and I speechless. Usually cancer is an unseen silent killer, but I was able to see the actual thing that was taking over this young girl’s body, this thing that is ultimately killing her. It was as if you could just take it out and everything would be fine, but we all know it is not that simple. In April 2008 Carolyn passed away.

I will never forget what she had said to me during that time I spent with her during her hunting trip. She said, “You just gotta keep on moving and try your hardest to, you know, still be there and…I don’t know how to say it or put it in words, but…just keep on going I guess.” Her bravery and positive attitude touched my family and me forever. In life’s cruel and unpredictable scheme, some of the most suffering is endured by the tiny and the frail. People like Carolyn, so many times, find a way to reveal to the world the true meaning of something we take for granted—life itself. Living every day like there is no tomorrow.

There are so many people like Carolyn who are taken from this Earth long before their time. They are the ones who I ride for.