Olivia Matheson

My name is Olivia Matheson
Stompin’Grounds (hometown): West Palm Beach FLO-RIDA
Current Habitat: Tallahassee, Florida State University, Florida
Major: Sleep deprivation aka Nursing
Clubs/ Interests: I am a Resident Assistant in Smith Hall, the American Dream. I love every second of it and wouldn’t give it up for anything. I also volunteer at Outdoor Pursuits which is Florida State’s Outdoor Recreation organization. I am a sister and also the Sunshine Chair of Delta Alpha Chi Christian Sorority which makes things really interesting when you tell people you’re in a sorority but not one of those sororities.
I heard about Bike and Build from a friend at Outdoor Pursuits, Adam Straubinger. He had a friend that rode the Bike and Build. Once I gained interest and talked about it to everyone I knew, I found out that my brother’s girlfriend’s sister (I know stick with me), Danni Jahn (aka wonder woman. Seriously, this chick does it all- bike across America, she’s a beauty queen, and she was the captain of her soccer team. Right now she’s in Texas in grad school. I know, she’s a renaissance woman). After a little thinking and internet stalking alumni bios I decided this was my Great American Adventure, the one adventure I HAD to do.
I have worked closely with Invisible children to put on a Battle of the Bands in High School. I have gone on mission trips with my church and have worked with Habitat for Humanity. In my hometown of West Palm Beach, the housing industry has experienced a huge boom which has left original natives of West Palm in the dust (myself included). I don’t think I have ever seen a greater need for adequate housing though than when I got to Tallahassee. Home to two prestigious universities: FAMU and FSU, there is a great divide between the university community and the Tallahassee native community. There is a large drug abuse and homeless problem and an even greater education issue. It’s ironic that people travel to Tallahassee to get an education but people that already live there has problem obtaining what they need.
What am I most scared of? I’m scared of not making it. I’m scared I’ll always be at the back of the pack trying to keep up with the Lance Armstrongs ahead. I am also terrified of wiping out and hurting myself
(I know I’m such a chicken. But I guess at least then I’ll have a gnarly story behind it.)
What am I most excited about? The Sunflower fields. Honestly, I am so excited just to see the country. I am also really pumped about the people I am going to meet along the way. I am excited for the friendships, the experiences, the conversations over dinner after a long day, and the crazy/good/bad/ugly memories.

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