I was a leader on P2S 2009 and it was the best summer of my life, so here I am for round two. My original plan for this little intro was to copy and paste my 2009 profile, make a few edits and use it again for 2010. “Work smart, not hard” and all sorts of mildly nauseating and overused corporate and inspirational jargon accompanied with a black border and a picture of a crew team or a kitten hanging from a tree branch came to mind. But, we are not in sixth grade math class anymore, so inefficiency and a (semi) new profile it shall be.
Here is where I should give you some personal particulars so you can try and ascertain if I’m cool or not. Two truths and a lie: I’ve had plastic surgery. I was a baby model. I am a countess. You decide. On to business…
Bike & Build rules. There are few organizations or experiences where social, societal, and physical elements not only dovetail together so nicely, but where the norms of these elements are challenged on an almost daily basis—one of many features unique to Bike & Build and something that brought me back here. This summer will be the second time I have quit a full time, corporate job to wear spandex, have adventures, and work for a great cause. Points to me.
I heard about Bike & Build from a former participant who inspired me to look into it and, clearly, it worked. There are so many facets of this program that I admire, but my favorite part is you see the product of your hard work-distances traveled, homes built- and when the trip ends, you have experienced and observed change within yourself and the world around you. You see this great adventure and sense of personal achievement is enveloped in social responsibility and, after you are done, are afforded the ability to turn around and view all you have accomplished.
I am lucky enough to have the experience of a lifetime two times and I can’t wait. Pats on the back to all my 2 wheeled, self propelled, sc2sc comrades. Good hands, you are in. You can rest easy tonight.
See you out there.
