When I was nine years old, my family embarked on a three-year adventure to lands unknown: we moved from Juarez, Mexico to Chicago, Illinois. In our three years there, I discovered many things, among them the existence of public libraries, a passion for playing tennis, and the truth that I didn’t know as much English […]

I am doing something that gives me goosebumps. Riding a bike next summer over 4,500+ miles from Austin, TX to Anchorage, AK? When I first told my family I had been accepted into Texas 4000, they thought I was pretty crazy. Texas 4000 is 501(c)(3) non-profit leadership development program preparing students to spread hope, knowledge, […]

There really isn’t any other feeling quite like your iPhone alarm blaring through the thick, warm darkness of Austin at 5:45 AM. Before I started Texas 4000, there were a few reasons why this might happen to me – catching a flight, getting up early to cram for a test, feeling especially eager one night […]

After a very stressful couple of weeks (the first round of midterms has FINALLY come to an end) it was such a great feeling to get to catch up on all of my Texas 4000 responsibilities like signing up for my bike fitting!! EEEPP!! Finally on October 13th I will be receiving the bicycle that […]

For 8 months, my interaction with my Texas 4000 team was constituted by a deluge of emails and group messages from individuals I’d yet to meet. I would passively read about volunteering and social activities with a curiosity that wasn’t quite personal; the reality of Texas 4000 felt more like a distant unreality from my […]

The night I found out I was accepted into Texas 4000 I was filled with so much excitement and joy. This was something I had dreamed of since high school and I was so happy that it was finally happening. Fast-forward to this year and it is really happening. The Monday night meetings are less […]

Today’s the day we find out which route each of us will be on. Many people I’ve talked to have said this is the point “at which it feels real”. I’m excited to find out which route I’ll be taking, but I just hope that it will not change our group dynamic. Up to this […]

Last week, I received the best present I could ever ask for, a vehicle by which I can spread hope, knowledge, and charity, an instrument that will allow me to make some of the best memories and experiences, the thing that will physically get me to Alaska: MY BIKE (which I have not yet decided […]

I love my grandparents. They are an unbelievably important part of my childhood, my life, and my development as a person. Year after year, I have spent holidays in their quaint, ranch-style home. The love that my grandparents share with one another is a model for which I aim in my own future relationships. Because […]

I am a born, raised, and proud Texan from Plano. Each wall in my room is a different sports field hand-painted with rather impressive detail by my mom. I made sure my bed resides firmly underneath the baseball diamond, my favorite sport growing up. I like talk a bit too much with my hands, people […]