This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.
Name: Elizabeth Knoble
Year: Sophomore
Major: Exercise Science, Biology minor (Pre-PT)
With an infectious smile and such a joyous spirit, anyone who meets Elizabeth Knoble immediately falls in love. Not only is she gorgeous, smart and wonderfully sassy, she also has a heart of gold. Drop the “K “and her last name describes her perfectly. Elizabeth is the rare embodiment of the ultimate cool girl and her love for others is something to be admired. She is currently a part of Texas 4000 and getting ready to bike to Alaska to raise money to fight against cancer. She took a few moments out of her incredibly busy schedule to sit down with Her Campus and answer some questions about her upcoming journey, her future plans and what makes her a proud Longhorn.
Her Campus Texas: What made you decide to come to UT?
Elizabeth Knoble: In all honesty, I chose to apply UT for the reason that it was the only college in Texas that I was not automatically admitted to. I wanted a challenge to see if I would be accepted, and I was. I decided to attend UT Austin for the caliber of the school and the opportunities presented by this University.
HCTX: What’s your favorite thing about going to UT or about Austin in general?
EK: There are so many things I enjoy about UT and Austin. If I had to choose one specific thing, I would narrow it down to the community that is the University of Texas. Never once has this campus not felt like a home with all the welcoming faces and pleasant staff and student body. I have visited other campuses and nowhere has felt quite like a unit as UT does.
HCTX: What inspired you to join Texas 4000 and whom are you riding for?
EK: I had heard about Texas 4000 from a friend who is in the same spirit group as I am when her boyfriend did it. He was ride this summer and she would occasionally post about it on her Facebook. I thought it was an amazing organization but never did I think that it is something I could do. However, this summer my mother’s best friend’s son was diagnosed with lymphoma. Seeing the way the diagnosis affected everyone who loved him was hard to watch. My mother had returned home after visiting her best friend two days before the cancer was found. They told her the reason it had been found was because of the way Stephen was laying when he had to sleep on the couch so my mom could sleep in his bed during her visit. When my mom found out the news, I could see how hard it was for her. The empathy my mom had for her best friend was heartbreaking for me to witness in my home and gave me the desire to apply for Texas 4000 and have the opportunity to ride for Stephen.
HCTX: How are you preparing for your journey to Alaska physically and emotionally?
EK: In order to prepare for our journey physically we train for a year in advance. I will start my training officially this fall with Saturday work outs, which will then turn into day long rides. During the spring before my ride we ride around 3 times a week in order to log close to 2,000 before we actually leave for the ride As far as emotionally goes, I try to not think too far into it. I am scared for the ride because I know it will be hard, but I also know it will probably be about 70% mental. I try to just keep the mentality that I can do it, which is not so hard to do when you know you are riding for a cancer free tomorrow. I remind myself that there are so many people out there fighting cancer, and that my bike to Alaska won’t even be half the battle that those people are facing.
HCTX: How do you think the trip will change you in the future?
EK: For me, Texas 4000 will be somewhat of a lifestyle change. I have never been one to fully think before I speak or act, but Texas 4000 requires I do that. People all around campus know what Texas 4000 is, and I need to represent the organization in the best way possible. As for the trip itself, I think it will make me appreciate a lot in my life, including the people involved as well as the materialistic things. We will be camping for over 30 days and I am not an outdoor kind of girl, so it will definitely make me appreciate my bed more than your average person. Being in Texas 4000 has already changed my life by surrounding me with such inspirational people that make me want to be a better person each and every day. Hearing everyone’s stories and losses really makes you realize how cancer effects everyone, and to live while you can but also take precautions for the future.
HCTX: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
EK: In 10 years I hope to be a critical care physical therapist. Everything I am working for right now is to get me to that goal. I don’t really think about where I will geographically or emotionally, I just think about getting myself to the goal of working in a hospital to help people walk again.