|
|
R4WH Educational Logistics / National Team Rider
Davis, California
College of Public Health, The Ohio State University
I was born near Davis California, and remember riding my bike everywhere as a child. The playground near my elementary school had near endless bike racks, and even though I only went to kindergarten in Davis, I rode my bike to school at the age of six. After moving to the state of Washington when I was seven, I still rode bikes, but wasn’t as active as in my childhood. I took my bike with me when I went to the University of Washington, though only rode it occasionally on the Burke-Gillman trail that skirted along the edge of the campus, choosing to log my miles with my feet. It wasn’t until I came to Columbus, Ohio and The Ohio State University that I realized how easy it is to ride when the city you live in is as flat as a pancake.
Another thing I learned at OSU is the vast opportunities available to help those without healthcare. I had the chance to volunteer at free clinics in Columbus multiple times during my first year of medical school. My second year brought the chance to get more involved with one of the free clinics as a coordinator, including the chance to attend the quarterly finance and planning meetings of the director’s board.
I saw how a small number of highly dedicated professionals were able to harness the resources of the community to help those unable to afford even the lowest level of standard medical care in this country. I learned of the Ride for World Health during its inception year, as its co-founders were upperclassmen at my school. I still remember the night they came to the free clinic as part of their stop in Columbus, and the dedication and enthusiasm they showed while working the clinic that night. I only hope that during my time with the team, I can inspire someone half as much as they inspired me.
This year I am working on my MPH, taking a year off from medical school between my third and fourth year. Unfortunately I will be unable to ride the entire route this year because of required coursework, but I will be with them as much as my schedule permits. I view this as a year for me to help contribute as much as possible, while also being able to support the riders from a stable home base here in Columbus. And next year, I will be right there in the middle of things all the way across the country. |
