Sofie Schwink
Hometown: Longview, IL
University: University of Illinois
Major: Bioengineering
BIOGRAPHY
Hi! I'm Sofie Schwink and I'm a freshman studying bioengineering. My goal after I graduate is to go to medical school or to do medical research. I grew up in a rural area about 30 minutes from Champaign-Urbana outside of a town of about 200 people. There wasn't a lot to do there, so for fun I took up hiking and biking. I also like to play instruments and I am a part of the University Band. I spend my free time and summers hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and biking. I spend a lot of time with my mom, brother, sister, and my two cats, Fatso and Zazzles. I first heard about Illini 4000 through social media and I immediately knew I wanted to join the team. I am excited to ride across the country this summer and to help people whose lives have been affected by cancer.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was a kid. At the time I didn't really understand the significance of that, but I do now. She underwent radiation therapy and, thankfully, she is cancer-free today. But some people aren't so lucky, and these are the people I'm riding for. Modern medicine is capable of so much, but we can go so much farther. The best way to take steps forward is by research and awareness. I am excited to make a difference this summer and to help some of the people who need it most.