First and foremost, I want to thank Jesus for his love and sacrifice so that somebody like me can even fathom participating in the World Race. I'm not deserving of this opportunity but I feel so blessed that God led me to this trip. I also want to thank my family and friends for always loving me and for being so vital in shaping me into the person I am today…I truly cannot ask for a better family or for better friends. I love you all and thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
What’s up everyone! I’m Justin. I’m 26 years old and I have grown up and lived most of my life in Arkansas. I grew up in Van Buren…also known as VB, the veeb, and the city that never wakes. I graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2008 with a degree in business. Woooooooooooo Pig Sooie!
Passions
Sports. Call me a typical guy but I can’t imagine my life without sports. Whether it’s playing, watching, or reading about it…I love sports. I hope that my passion for sports will be utilized working with kids during this journey. No Sportscenter will be a big trial for me on this trip.
Learning. I am a huge nerd when it comes down to it. I took school serious and it was a huge focus of mine. For me, learning is a life long journey with no destination point. My goal is to become a college professor one day. I’m a huge advocate for curiosity, creativity, and outside-the-box thinking.
Music. Before college my musical knowledge extended no further than top 40 radio. Nowadays, I hardly ever listen to the radio. It is impossible for me to pick a favorite band since music reflects and enhances the mood I am in. I’m a huge fan of music festivals and I can’t wait to experience the music of the different cultures in the World Race countries we’ll be visiting.
Love. All you need is love, ba ba bada ba! I have a big heart. I grew up in a house of unconditional love so my life is fueled by love. I am exceptionally undeserving of the love that Jesus has shown me and I cannot wait to let Him work through me and to show His love to those who are beaten down, hopeless, and crying out for help.
Likes
- Dry humor
- Working with kids
- Dogs
- Coffee and Tea
- Qdoba
- Spring and Fall weather
- Colin Cowherd
- Games shows and board games
- Words with friends
- New experiences
- Traveling
- Dancing
- Laughing
- Entourage (almost made the passions list)
-
Tosh.O
Dislikes
- Unnecessary negativity
- Olives
- Artificial banana and cinnamon flavoring
- MTV
- Pop-up ads
- 10 minute weather reports
- People who get on the elevator before you get off. Wait 5 seconds. You’ll live.
Random facts
- I’m colorblind
- I have a severe case of hitchhiker’s thumb
- I can make my stomach look like the Scream mask
- My house was totaled by a tornado in 1996
- I’m obsessed with documentaries
To my fellow racers: I am so excited about meeting and getting to know everyone! To quote one of my favorite movies, Into the Wild, “The core of man’s spirit comes from new experiences…and happiness is only real when shared.” I cannot wait to grow, learn, and share this entire experience with you all.
