Hi there! My name is Haley Kammeraad. I'm 20 years old and am in my final year at the University of Virginia. I'm pre-med, majoring in Psychology and hoping to get into medical school after I graduate, with the ultimate goal of becoming some type of pediatric subspecialist. I can proudly point out my hometown, Ada, Michigan, on my hand. Travelling so far away from home for school has led me to realize how great West Michigan is, so I plan to return to the big mitten after graduation.
I've played soccer most of my life, picked up running cross country part way through high school, and didn't start cycling until this past summer. At first, most of my rides were with my dad or younger brother near our house. In Charlottesville I've gained the confidence to venture out on my own and discover some truly breath-taking routes. I've become involved in the triathlon club at school to have a group to run and ride with.
I am often reminded of how lucky I am to have such a stable life, relatively free of uncertainty and full of opportunity. The unfairness of it all dumbfounds me - how is it that I got off with such an easy life, while the next person has had to suffer so many hardships? I do my best to share the blessings in my life by serving others. I've volunteered at the Charlottesville-Albermarle Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the UVa Children's Hospital, and various local foot races. I'm part of Warm Up America, a club that knits blankets to donate to local women's and children's shelters.
Most recently, I joined the advocacy committee in the UVa Habitat for Humanity chapter. Habitat has opened my eyes to how staggering the affordable/sub-standard housing crisis is. I'm still new to the issue, but am excited to impact communities across the country through Bike & Build.
I first heard about Bike & Build through a coworker at a local running shop. A little research showed me what an amazing experience this could be. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I had to sign up. This is an opportunity of a lifetime - to bike from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, to make incredible memories, AND improve the lives of others. Could it get any better?
