I first got involved with Bikes Not Bombs when I was twelve years old. I remember when two individuals came to my middle school to tell us about an opportunity to get a bike. I was always fond of riding by bike but never knew how to repair it so my mother signed me up. I had a lot of fun as a participant even though I was a very shy kid. Not only did the staff but the others youth made me feel welcomed. At first I didn't think I would be able to memorize all the tools nevermind have the arm strength to disassemble an entire bike. Soon enough I was helping others.

I went on to take both programs multiple times, than I became a volunteer youth staff because I was not legally old enough to work. When I was of age I continued to work as a youth staff. Bikes Not Bombs has been a second home to me. Not only did I learn bike mechanics but I learned about social and political injustice, I learned acceptance of all types of people and I formed great meaningful relationships because of it. I was so grateful when I had the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much. They have really helped me form the young woman that I am today and that is really something that I will be forever thankful for.