Profile

About: Howdy!
My name is Connor Hughes, and I am a Plan II Honors and Pre-Med junior at UT Austin. Born and raised in Austin, Texas – I have embraced the culture and found my niche within this hub of weirdness. A self-proclaimed hipster, I love rocking rope sandals, strumming the ukulele and playing wiffleball. Some of my favorite things in this world include: epic poetry, frosted animal crackers and demolishing a fresh strip of bubble wrap!

Throughout life, I had always been obsessed with science. Whether I was overly excited about Animal Planet documentaries or hungry for more detail about the process of respiration – molecules and organisms were exhilarating. Fascinated by anatomy and physiology, I decided to take an internship in Wisconsin working with an oral surgery firm. This was the path to my passion! I was able to not only shadow the doctor during the surgical procedure, but also observe the interactions with patients and guests. After spending two days in the office, I knew that I had to become a surgeon. There is no way to describe the moment that an operation is complete and a life is repaired. :D Many are daunted by the years of medical school and residencies, but I know that the tangible impacts that trained hands can deliver are well worth the investment.

Outside of academics, I have leadership positions in Student Government, The Tejas Club, Camp Texas, Burnt Orange Society, and the Plan II Student Association. Along with these clubs, I also lead a six-person research team in a biochemistry lab and volunteer in the Emergency Room at St. David’s Medical Center. These activities have provided me with the foundation of teamwork and leadership. Each has shaped a little bit of my personality, and I feel as if they have holistically provided me with the perseverance, enthusiasm, accountability, and friendship necessary for Texas 4000.

Why I Ride

I ride for my best friend, Tyler Laas, and my grandpa, Ed Gill (Popo).

I ride for Tyler Laas: my childhood best friend. As silly as it sounds, we always had a spot at #1 or #2 on each other’s “Myspace Top Friends.” Whether we were tearing it up on the baseball diamond or racing around stores exploring the mall – one thing I noticed about Tyler always shined: his uncanny ability to bring energy to those around him. It wasn’t just me that noticed either; the whole school loved him! He was the kind of kid that directed his own 20-minute long, scripted scene-by-scene movies as just a middle schooler. I am convinced he was our future Prom King! But disaster struck on August 16th, 2009. During his third scuba dive in Cozumel, Tyler’s mask malfunctioned and his trachea collapsed. Tyler drowned at just 15 years old. The three pillars of Texas 4000 are Hope, Charity, and Knowledge. In honor of Tyler, I ride for a branch of Hope. He was a beautiful person that brightened everyone's day. Never afraid to make him self look silly or spend extra time listening to a friend, Tyler invested his life in the happiness of others. I hope to spread this Hope & Energy not only during enthusiastic conversations and encounters with upcoming friends from upcoming towns, but also by keeping my fellow riders laughing, motivated, and light-hearted.

Incessantly smiling, my grandpa missed no opportunity to be a goofball and enjoy his surroundings. He was the kind of fella that never passed on adventure. A few years after graduating from UT with a degree in Plan II, he started his own Mexican Tour Bus business and traveled the jungles and villages of Central America. Collecting all sorts of skulls and antiques, Ed was a fountain of stories. He would sit on his sofa with an overweight pug in his lap and recount his memories in inspiring detail. Sadly, in May of 2014, a persistent heart condition took the life of this wonderful spirit. Popo impacted me in so many ways. He was the reason I chose my major (Plan II). He generously supported my passions, and he was always the source of laughter at the Thanksgiving table. While he may be gone now, I hope to bring his passion, love, support, and joyfulness to the Texas 4000 ride.