About Me

Profile

  • Route: Sierra
  • Ride Year: 2009

About:




I am a fifth-year senior studying in the 5 year Master’s Program in Accounting at McCombs. I went to high school in Plano, but have lived in various cities around the country [and around the world] throughout my childhood, due to the nature of my father’s job. This has afforded me the opportunity to explore various world cultures and gain a greater sense of appreciation for individual differences in others.
I consider myself a connector. I enjoy getting to know new people, and consistently enjoy bringing different groups of friends together. I would describe myself as a loyal friend. I am also very close to my family. I have one sister at UNT, parents in Oklahoma City, as well as grandparents and extended family in Pennsylvania. I enjoy spending time with all of them, and am fortunate to have them supporting me in everything I do. I try and visit as often as possible.
I also consider myself very true to my word. I pride myself on upholding promises to others in all respects. When I dedicate myself to something, I make a point to come through. Because of this, I take all my commitments very seriously. Some would even call me intense, but I consider that a compliment.
In my free time, I am enjoying my last year in Austin, which includes eating at new restaurants, visiting with old friends, and spending lots of time outdoors, both on my bike and on foot. I am also volunteering at the Town Lake Animal Shelter with the dogs there.

Why I Ride

Humans have been struggling with cancer for thousands of years. We can trace peoples’ efforts to fight cancer back to Egyptian times. However, it is only within the past century or so that both cancer treatment and prevention have greatly accelerated. I believe that the fight against cancer is best fought both with science and community support.
As most individuals cannot contribute directly to scientific advancement in the fight for cancer, everyone is capable of contributing to the emotional support of those who are currently fighting or have conquered the disease. I believe that this type of care has just as much potential to be helpful as scientific treatment ”“ it is a key part of the healing process. Whether individuals claim to have been directly affected by cancer or not, every one of us has a connection to cancer, because every one of us is a fellow human being. The power of caring is not limited by budgets or federal regulations. It is perhaps the easiest form of help to provide, along with being the most personal.
In supporting Texas 4000, it is my goal to maximize the effectiveness of our message. I believe that when people are able to visualize a physical fight, in the form of a cross-continental endeavour, it makes such a significant impact, and has such a high potential to motivate people towards action.
I look forward to a multitude of opportunities to spread awareness of cancer to everyone I come in contact with, both on the actual ride, and through efforts in Austin beforehand. One key message I would like to stress on the trip is prevention. Knowing what we do now about cancer, there are so many opportunities for individuals to monitor themselves for early warning signs, and greatly increase their chances of survival. It is with this power of knowledge that people can begin to turn the tide against this human affliction.