Isaac Ginnodo
Hometown: Arlington Heights, Illinois
University: University of Illinois
Major: Mechanical Engineering
BIOGRAPHY
Hi I'm Isaac Ginnodo and I'm a senior in Mechanical Engineering. I grew up in Arlington Heights with my parents and two brothers, Asher and Nathanael. As a kid, I loved outdoor games and just about every sport except for golf. In high school I was on the swim and water polo teams. These teams taught me about teamwork and leadership, and created friendships and memories that will live on forever. I love any good TV series, and I'm currently binge watching Peaky Blinders. My ideal vacation would be a long hike with a good book and even better company. After studying abroad in Madrid last semester, I got the "travel bug," and now I want to experience as many different places and cultures as I can in my life. I am excited to do just that with Illini 4000 team. Our journey across America will lead to countless new memories and experiences, and will have a profound influence on those impacted by cancer.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
When I was 8, my grandfather passed away from colon cancer. His battle with cancer was hard for me to understand when I was that age, but one thing I could see clearly was its effect on my family. Papa, as I called him, was the epitome of a family man. He adored his wife and daughters and grandchildren. He was able to fight so hard because his family was there to support him. Papa's battle with cancer taught me an invaluable lesson at my young age. I learned how strong and important family is, and that truth has stayed with me my whole life. I admire my mom and my grandma and my aunt for their incredible perseverance and support through this time, and I am dedicating my ride to them.