Compassion

Last May, I had the privilege to cycle across the state of Florida, from Miami to Tallahassee, with my fellow brothers throughout the nation in Pi Kappa Phi. The event was called Gear Up Florida, but it was about much more than just cycling. Our goal was to raise awareness and funds to support individuals with disabilities.

I decided to take on this event with no prior cycling experience, so the event started much earlier than May for me. I had to train and learn all the fundamentals of cycling months before the trip began. In addition, I was personally tasked with raising $3,500. Having to train, fundraise, complete my college courses, and contribute to my extracurricular organizations brought a lot of stress into my life. However, I had two personal values that kept me motivated: faith and compassion. I knew that this challenge was nothing compared to the challenges that people with disabilities face each and every day. I always kept in the back of my mind who I was doing it for and the potential impact I could make. Simarlily, faith kept me assured and humble. The fact that I even have the opportunity to participate in an event of this magnitude is all thanks to God. I was beyond nervous on orientation day in Miami, but I felt ready. It was surreal stepping off of the plane in Miami because, at that point, there was no turning back. Before I knew it, I was on my way from Miami to Boca Raton by bike. This was the first ride and the start to the best experience of my life. I wish I knew then that the two-week journey was going to fly by. Seeing the beautiful beaches of Ft. Lauderdale and Clearwater, racing other pacelines, singing at crew stop karaoke, and watching my teammates struggle to unclip at stop lights brought me memories I’ll always cherish. I never

thought I would miss sleeping on basketball court floors, waking up at 5:30am, and baking in the Florida heat. I think what made it so special was the purpose behind it all, putting service before self and making a positive impact on those with disabilities. My team made history by raising $160,000 dollars, which allowed us to present a grant to over 15 organizations that strive to better the lives of individuals with disabilities. Most importantly, we produced countless smiles. Our motto for the trip was “Smiles Over Miles, ” which reminded us that it was more about sharing meaningful experiences with those we visited, not our performance on the bike. Friendship visits with our friends with disabilities were the highlight of the trip. The I can confidently say that my service mindset started and developed during my time at Epiphany. Epiphany ’s emphasis on service and its importance is something you rarely find at other schools. For the students that read this, don’t take the Odyssey days or service events offered for granted. Many of those volunteer experiences helped me realize my personal values which I lead and live by. I believe that one of the most meaningful things someone can do is serve.

I want to end with a bible verse that emphasizes service, 1 Peter 4:10. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.