Profile

About: I was born and raised just outside of Houston, Texas. I study biomedical engineering at UT and Iâ??ll graduate (hopefully) in May 2007. Don't let the major fool you; I have no idea what I want to do with my life.
I might like to go to work in the field of biomechanics, and I'm thinking about getting my teaching certificate. If Iâ??m not studying, I enjoy being outdoors. I like to play ultimate frisbee and I ride for the UT Cycling Team. I also like to read, write, eat, and I'm into art and photography.
I also enjoy sleep, although I rarely get to do it. I spent a semester abroad in Finland in Spring 2005 and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Aside from the extreme cold and the severe lack of peanut butter and Dr Pepper, I had a fantastic time. While I was there I found that I really love to travel, and Iâ??ve been wanting to get back on the road ever since.

Why I Ride

Cancer has, unfortunately, been a big part of my life. I lost my mother to colon cancer when I was 11, and it has dramatically changed who I am and the way I see the world. For the longest time I felt empty - I was missing this big piece of me and I could never become whole again. After a while I realized that I shouldn't dwell on what I had lost; rather, I should focus on what I still have and what's really important. I discovered my family and my faith, first and foremost. Had I not lost my mother, I wouldn't be as close to my brothers and my dad as I am now. More recently I found out that my father had skin cancer. He had surgery in the spring of 2005 and is doing well now. I'm dedicating my ride this summer to my dad. He's a big part of who I am today. He has done so much for my brothers and for me, and he helped me learn that the people I love are most important. I'm honored to be riding for them and riding with them this summer. I can't wait.