Originally hailing from beautiful Camarillo, California, I've spent the last four years in New Haven Connecticut as a philosophy and history double major at Yale. While my freckles have faded and my collection of scarves has grown in the interim, I remain a true California girl at heart. When I'm not avoiding writing my theses, I'm playing intramural inner-tube water polo ('tis as strenuous as it sounds, folks), writing for the Daily News, or leading tours around campus. I love the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a movie called Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and most forms of tiramisu. I'm currently splitting my time between riding a stationary bike in a wintry basement, lamenting the imminent end of my collegiate years, and diligently cultivating a liking for Power Bars.

Cancer has affected the lives of every single person I know. I, unfortunately, also cannot count myself as one beyond its reach. I believe that riding from Texas to Alaska is but one way we, as a group of college-age kids, can truly help in this battle. By raising money, awareness, and hope for all those experiencing the effects of cancer, we can do our little part to help prevent and help those already suffering from this disease. I dedicate my ride to my Grandfather, Big Sweets.