About Me

My name is Nina Sobotka and I am a first year International Studies major and Pre-Medicine student at the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR. I am originally from Corvallis, OR (which, yes, is indeed the home of the Beavers, the rivals of the Ducks!), a town south of Portland. I love the outdoors and have played the cello since I was five. 

I first heard about FACE AIDS when I attended a meeting of my school’s chapter last fall. The Ride was brought to my attention almost by chance in a forwarded e-mail conversation, and I watched the promo video. Two months and lots of encouragement from my friends and family later, I was offered the opportunity to participate in this year’s Ride!

I am doggedly optimistic, and therefore believe that anyone with sufficient passion has the ability to positively affect the lives of those in need. We can each take it upon ourselves to apply our talents and skills, whatever and wherever they may be, to the causes we hold close to our hearts. I have chosen to completely devote myself to the mission of FACE AIDS.

My passion for social justice has always been instinctive—an aspect of my personality that has also been nurtured by my family. This background, combined with a desire to be a medical doctor and my lifelong fascination with world cultures, languages, and narratives, has led me to an interest in global health. I support Partners In Health because of its utilization of community-based healthcare. The organization’s approach to supporting the individual as well as treating his or her disease preserves patient dignity. Those living with HIV/AIDS diagnoses are more than statistics or patients. They are persons whose individual narratives are essential to understand in order to effectively combat HIV/AIDS. My generation will face enormous challenges in its quest to provide both education and healthcare in the face of overpopulation and environmental changes. I believe, however, that youth are poised to help guide our communities toward the establishment of healthcare as a human right. A world with fair access to medical treatment can and will exist. I am grateful and humbled to be a part of a group that will increase the momentum—will “Ride”—toward such a world.

Although the physical and mental intensity required for the Ride will be unlike anything I have ever committed to before, I am excited by the prospect of developing new skills and friendships. It seems fitting that companionship and constant rediscovery of human connections should accompany a fight for human rights.

Thank you for your support. I hope to either see you as the Ride makes its way toward Boston or hear from you before it departs from California!

Cheers!