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National Team Rider
Peace Corps Response
Tyler, TX
I was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, but made my way north to attend the University of Chicago for my undergraduate education. During my junior year, I took a leave of absence from my studies to teach English at a school in northern Thailand; I absolutely loved it, and from then on decided to travel internationally as much as possible!
While I've aspired to be a physician for quite some time, I wanted to learn more about international health before pursuing my medical degree. After graduating from college I joined the Peace Corps, where I served as an HIV/AIDS volunteer at a small rural hospital in Uganda. Living in Uganda for a year and a half opened my eyes to many of the long-term challenges inherent in HIV/AIDS care, and gave me a much better perspective on international health in general.
After my Peace Corps service I attended graduate school at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, completing my master's degree in biomedical science this past June. I'm in the midst of applying to medical school, and hoping to begin my studies in the fall of 2010.
At present, my enthusiasm for international health has taken me to the South American country of Guyana, where I'm serving as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer. I work with the CDC and the Pan American Health Organization to improve blood safety within Guyana's blood banking system- it's very interesting work! I'll be here in Guyana until February 2010, finishing up my assignment not too long before our ride. Guyana is just a bit north of the Equator, so I'm happy that I won't have to brave any harsh winter weather while I'm training!
I'm a complete novice as far as cycling goes, but I'm excited for the challenge of riding across the US for a cause that I'm passionate about. It's my hope that I can share my experiences in international health with people across the country, and encourage others to support grassroots organizations like World Bicycle Relief and Heal Africa. On behalf of this year's team as well as the many people around the world who will benefit from our fundraising efforts, thank you for your support!
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