Darrah Lustig

Hello, hello - my name is Darrah Lustig.  I'm twenty-three years old and hail from Natick, Massachusetts. Growing up on the coast, I took full advantage of the Atlantic Ocean via swimming, sailing and kayaking. I've always enjoyed being active and outside but I have shied away from fierce competition as it takes the joy out of the action for me. Thus, in high school and college I gravitated toward music, the study of foreign languages and college radio in lieu of athletics.

In 2007 I graduated from the University of Vermont with degrees in German, European History and Spanish. Dissatisfied with my inability to speak German despite my shiny, new degree, I looked for work which would allow me to exercise and improve my foreign language skills which landed me in Wolfsberg, Austria as an English Language Teaching Assistant. Come May, I will have completed two years of working in the Austrian school system and volunteering with various youth groups. I am happy to report that I have achieved my language goals and also developed a real interest in pursuing a degree in foreign language education at the graduate level...but time will tell on that one because I am not too fond of filling out college applications.

Being away from home for so long has allowed me to appreciate my home more than ever. I'm very happy to be a nomad but I think my home - the fact that I feel safe there and can return to it if need be - has instilled me with the necessary confidence to strike out in foreign territory. Certainly there is a difference between a house and a home, but it all starts with a sound structure and I would love to be able to provide other people with a sense of comfort and place in this world which only a house can provide. If we build the houses, I am confident that the homes will follow and then anything is possible.

Additionally, Bike and Build offers such a unique way to experience the United States. It's come to my attention in recent months that I haven't seen most of the United States and that my perspective is in fact very limited which makes it difficult for me to broach certain topics in school. It is time that I educate myself and what better way to get acquainted with the U.S. than by pedaling through it? I like to work hard and I also like to work toward a goal, so with Vancouver in my mind, I know that I will persevere. I'm also really looking forward to working together with a team of people who have also chosen to challenge themselves in this way. I've already started to prepare for the ride - both mentally and physically - but I think the true challenge will be waiting until we can finally get going!

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