Mr. Matznick called a few hours ago to let me know that he wanted to get me set up for JOH tomorrow. That means no more wait list - I'm going to get to ride after all. I couldn't be more excited to really get going on the process!
I had started riding the bike at the gym before winter break, and now I'm ready to get going again. However, now is when the fundraising really becomes my main focus. I'm going to have to raise $5,500 in five months, but I know that I can do it. When I was on the wait list, I was more hesitant to send out letters in fear that I'd receive donations and not end up riding this summer. That being said, I knew that being in this position was a distinct possibility. But hey, I'd rather be in this position than not riding at all.
I posted a status on Facebook to let my friends know that I was going to have the opportunity to ride, and a fraternity brother of mine immediately responded. He told me that he had a question for me, so I texted him asking what was up. I figured the question might not even be related to JOH, or if it was, that it'd be something about the ride. Instead, he asked if I'd like to accept a donation on behalf his grandmother to count towards my fundraising. I gladly accepted, and I cannot thank him enough for contacting me. It's that kindness that I'm looking forward to so much throughout this process, and something tells me that I haven't seen the last of it. Fundraising won't be easy, and neither will the training, but if there's one thing I know, it's that I'm going to make it work.
I often tell people that I live by what I want to be able to look back on and be proud of. I can't fathom how fulfilling this experience may turn out to be, but I'm sure I won't look back and regret anything.
