BIOGRAPHY

Hey, I'm Zane. I'm currently a freshman at UIUC majoring in Film Studies. I was initially drawn to I4k because one of my friends was interested in the table at quad day, so I went along with it. I initially thought it was just a casual cycle club, until I learned it was a cross-country trip at the first meeting. I'd already put the time aside to go to the first meeting, and I'm not a fan of wasting time, so I went for it anyway. Even just in my short time in the group, I can already tell I4k is for me. Other than I4k, I'm part of Illini Film and Video -a group who meets at the exact same time as I4k does, go figure. I'm also currently trying to do some Habitat builds around the area, as it was an incredibly influential part of my high school career. When I'm not doing any business or school (Which is often), I try my best to improve my yo-yo skills. It's a niche for sure, but something that's been just as important. Look up some videos! I'm beyond excited to further my career here at UIUC, and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

In the October of my sophomore year in high school, my father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Just 5 months later, he passed away. Since then, I hadn't really done much to help cancer research or awareness; I honestly wanted to get away from it all. Now that I'm in college, however, I'm realizing just what opportunities I have to make a difference and impact on those affected. I'm doing this trip to help those in situations like my own, and confront my own personal struggles along the way. I've never done any sort of cycling, let alone cross-country, so this trip will be a new experience to me in all aspects.