About Me

Profile

  • Route: Sierra
  • Ride Year: 2010

About:



Born in Shanghai, China as the only child of two parents who considered hard work and perseverance the staple of a successful future, I grew up believing that I should dream big and accomplish even bigger.

Coming to UT was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The other? Well, applying for Texas 4000, of course. Austin welcomed in a skeptical, shy girl with open arms and have brought out some of the absolute best in her. I still love to play tennis, re-read my Harry Potter books (of which I own all 7), and dance like no one's watching, but I've also grown to love cooking shows, politics, architecture, football, and a multitude of other things that would make old friends think twice about the girl they used to know. First, I sincerely consider burnt orange a primary color because nothing brightens the night sky like the lit UT tower. I also consider journaling a cheaper alternative to retail therapy, and I love all things Texas-especially country music and country dancing.

Lastly, I have the most admiration for those who take life by the horns (no pun intended) and consider each day an opportunity to create change and become a part of something bigger than themselves. My parents and many of my friends are a constant motivation to me, and now each of my Texas 4000 teammates can be added to this select list.


Why I Ride

I wholeheartedly believe that cancer is not only a disease, but also a battle that can be fought as vigorously with medicine as it can with the help and support of loved ones and a generous community.

My experience with cancer are like second-degree burns. They may not be life-threatening to me directly, but it hurts and scars just the same. It saddens me to remember the ways in which my friends have had their young life so drastically turned upside down by the death of loved ones, and the pain left from their loss is more than I care to experience. I don't want to wait for this disease to seek me out before I take action; I want to beat cancer to the punch.

Today I ride to find a cure. Tomorrow I ride to find a cure. Every day I ride so that someday it will come true.

In memory of Cynthia Hamner, and all the others I might have gotten the chance to know otherwise. This one's for you, Aaron.