Meet Mya Dillon | YaYa

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mya Dillon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mya, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
I have two career goals. The most important goal for me is to complete college one-day with a doctorate degree in nursing. I want to become a traveling nurse and visit many places in the world. First on my list will be South Africa. I expect my goals to be very trying but life shouldn’t be easy. The other goal I plan to complete while being a nurse is to become a professional cyclist. I love cycling and hope to bring more young African American girls to the sport. I believe cycling is a sport still not touched to a great extent in the African American culture and would love to be a model for others to follow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently a sophomore in college and will be applying for nursing school after this semester. I most excited about beginning nursing school and finally competing in cycling races after most have been canceled because of COVID. Trying to balance college, cycling, and working is very difficult to juggle. I try to ride close to 200 miles per week in addition to being enrolled in 12 hours this semester. As I try to support myself versus rely too much on my parents, I also work part-time at the YMCA. All of this makes me tired to even think about it. In between this hectic schedule, I try to eat well and sleep as much as I can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love eating and getting out in the town. First on my list, would be Cockrell Butterfly Center, located in the Houston National Science Museum. For brunch, I would take them to the Breakfast Klub and for dinner, I would take them to BB’s. For a night out in the town, I would take them to Wonder Bar. I also love Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center Houston. Other favorite places to eat is North Italia and Moxies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First is my father, Dr. Gregory Dillon, who always pushes me to work harder than I think I can. He’s my number one cycling partner. My mother, Amy Dillon, after every fall has been there to lift me back up with her love and comfort. She’s the model I follow for nursing and helping others. Virgil Skinner, owner of the team I race for, Fort Bend Kia Racing, has always believed in me from the start and is very supportive of the cycling community. Also, Uncle Eddie Robinson, retired NFL player and my dad’s good friend, and another family friend Troy Reynolds, they both are always there to ride with me and protect me when my father is unable. Lastly, my cycling coach Tito Alejandro, retired professional cyclist, who lives in Curacao but as a close family friend, volunteers his time to make me a stronger and better cyclist.

Instagram: @yayathecyclist

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1527039350717953.?ref=share

Other: Myayayadillon on facebook

Image Credits
Various bike races and travel