BIOGRAPHY

Hello, hello! I’m Isalia, a senior in Agricultural and Consumer Economics. I am originally from Cicero, a west suburb right out of Chicago. I have two magnificent parents, a sister, brother and sister-in-law who I love dearly, a nephew who is alright (I kid! He is the coolest seven year old in town) and many many family members and friends that are integral to my life. I am actually a shy and timid person, I hate getting out of my comfort zone… or at least I was this person. I spent the first half of 2013 living in West Africa and it changed my life. I want to grab life by the reins and gallop through it now. I experienced so much that lead me to have a burning fire, a desire to set out and change the world. Before I willingly place the globe on my shoulders I realized I need to stop, slow down, and take a good look around me. Yes, there are issues all across the world but there are issues right here, in this country. I know I need to explore my own country and contribute my grain of salt within these borders. This ride from coast to coast, will give me the opportunity to discover how great my country and the people in it are and how we can help each other.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

My personal encounter with cancer has been small but impactful. A few years ago I lost a cousin suddenly and unexpected. She was admitted to the hospital for what they thought was the flu gone badly. Weeks passed and she grew more and more ill. She was physically unrecognizable and no one had a clue as to why. In a matter of weeks she lost her young life of 16. It wasn’t until weeks after she passed that they were able to diagnose her with lupus. At the time I was too young to fully comprehend why her, and why so suddenly? I’m older now and I still don’t understand. My best friend of 15 years lost his nephew—a boy I watched grow up—last year and he was also just entering his teenage years. He had time to fight, and fight he did. But in the end this monstrous disease took over. It was a devastating reality, seeing people lose their life when it hadn’t even really begun. I don’t think I will ever understand why this has to happen to people that are just about to begin their life, why it has to happen to anyone. There is no rhyme or reason but there are small steps we can take to eradicate and improve the situation. I’m more than happy to be part of the Illini4000 effort to raise funds for research and support programs, advocate awareness, and listen to the stories people have to tell. I ride with pride knowing people are seeing the support system they have cross-country.