Katie Lindsay
Hometown: Glenview, IL
University: University of Illinois
Major: Spanish and Environmental Studies
BIOGRAPHY
Hello! My name is Katie Lindsay and I am a 22-year-old senior graduating in May (whoa!). I'm studying Spanish and Environmental Studies and I have no idea what I'll be doing with that. I grew up in Glenview, a Northern suburb of Chicago. I come from a big family, which includes my mom and dad, two brothers, four sisters, two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, three nephews and two nieces! My entire immediate family lives in the Chicagoland area, so we're all very close and spend lots of time together. Growing up in a such a large family has been quite the privilege--I have so many wonderful memories involving my parents and siblings and it seems that every time we're all together, more lasting memories are made. I'm really interested in traveling, both domestically and internationally. In fact, I believe I've already been to each state that we will ride through in the summer, as I have been on many road trips with my family in the past. However, this experience will undoubtedly be much different and I am looking forward to seeing parts of the U.S. in a completely different way. Additionally, I studied abroad in Costa Rica in the spring of 2010. Combined with the road trips mentioned above, my time in Costa Rica has greatly contributed to my interest in the environment and my desire to spend time outdoors. Lastly, I also play volleyball for the Illinois Women's Club Volleyball team. It's lots of fun I've been lucky to make some great friends over the past 4 years!
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I think that while cancer is an incredibly unfortunate disease, occasionally there is too much focus on its negativity. In describing cancer with words like devastating, ravaging, terrible, etc., we are inherently giving it a power that it does not deserve. In my most personal experience with cancer, I witnessed the opposite of a devastating/ravaging/terrible experience. I saw the unflinching love and commitment of family and friends; the hardworking ingenuity of doctors and nurses; and, most importantly, the spirit and courage of an amazing patient. It was one of the most powerful displays of human kindness I have seen, and that is why I ride.