Emily Uperti

What's up everyoneee! My name is Emily and I'm a 20 year old nursing student.  I'm originally from Woodbridge, VA, a town about a half hour away from Washington, DC. I have been a rower for 6 years, I am the president of the Old Dominion University Rowing Club, and I'm also a coach for a local high school's crew team. I am an employee of the Prince William Country Park Authority where I have spent the last three summers working with the most awesome group of 5-7 year olds.  Although I won't be working with them this summer, I'm going to take away the lessons they taught me and apply them to B&B: Have enthusiasm about everything, laugh at every opportunity, and don't be afraid to get messy.

Over the past few months, my passion for Affordable Housing has grown significantly.  I honestly never realized how much of an issue it was in the US until I started my research.  Once I started to look up Affordable Housing issues in my own area, I decided that this is the volunteer work I am meant to be a part of.  Everyone deserves a place to call home and people need a hand to get themselves back on track. 

What led me to Bike and Build you ask? Well, I have the "travel itch" and want to see the country that I call home from a different perspective.  The thought of impacting someone's life through volunteer work gives me automatic butterflies.  I can't wait to meet my fellow riders, experience the cultural changes of the United States, and help families find stability with a home. I'm thrilled to see the nation from a point of view that people never get the chance to: on the saddle.  What's the one thing I can't wait to see? The Flaming Gorge!!! In addition, I'm determined to see the World's Biggest Ball of Twine...no excuses.  It sounds fascinating. I have to say, I am a little nervous about the mountains and meeting SO many new people, but I am ready to take on the challenges that Bike and Build has in store for me. I want to see how a group of young adults can impact the lives of others. Most of all, I am excited for the dance parties, random peanut butter concoctions, and endless memories.

I was inspired to take on this CRAZY adventure by a friend and former CUS '11 Bike and Builder (shout out to Jake R.!!). I saw the pictures, heard his story, and I was immediately sold. I lived vicariously through his B&B blog last summer and his countless stories inspired me to look further into the cause. Now here I am, ready to take on this adventure!  I want to make this once in a lifetime trip and touch a few lives as I go. 

Central U.S.