Reid wrote this to Columbia to confirm his enrollment in one of its Freshman orientation programs in this participants bike over several days from the New York countryside to the Columbia campus.

26 May 2004

Reid Sacco

COBOP Applicant

I can’t wait to start at Columbia, and I can’t wait to begin forming relationships with my classmates.  Although I work well independently, these relationships will be important to me.  As a swimmer on two teams and captain of one, I appreciate the special bonds that hold teammates together, not unlike what keeps good friends together.   I’ve always found study groups and project groups a very effective way to learn and share ideas.  I’m naturally gregarious and personable, I’m told.

I love to bike and COBOP sounds like the perfect mix of biking, adventure, and classmate bonding.

I was originally accepted as part of the class of 2007, but needed to defer one year in order to undergo treatment for cancer discovered at the end of my senior year, just over a year ago.  I’ve spent the last year being treated with chemo, radiation, and surgery.  My family and a small group of my friends helped me through the difficult times and I’ll never forget them for the sacrifices they made to be at my side when I needed them.

I’m nearly back to my old self now, and fortunately the cancer appears to be gone.  I was in excellent condition before the treatments started (I was a National swimmer), so my recovery has been relatively quick.  It was a long year, but I learned much about myself and about life in general.  I’ve always loved life, but now I’m more determined to make the most of every day and opportunity.

My start at Columbia was delayed, and I’ve had a year to build an appreciation for how tremendous an opportunity this really is. 

Reid Sacco