I had a chance to talk to Adam on the phone a couple times this past week. Let me tell you: the dude is friggin’ ball of positive energy.  You give him a minute and he will talk your ear off about everything from his flop-house in Cleveland where visiting BMX riders will often crash on his couch to the meaning of happiness and why a surgeon and a construction worker play equally important roles in society.

At 20-years old, Adam’s already traveled around the world and is a firm believer that you can learn a helluva lot more by talking to locals than you can ever learn in a classroom setting. (He’s currently researching how to stow away on a freighter to save on travel expenses while backpacking around the world).

Just from chatting with him a few times, you get the sense that Adam doesn’t get caught up in the minutiae.  He knows what’s important in life and is all about friends, family, helping others and continually learning new things. His friends call him Chowski, but I call him the BMX philosopher. 

Check out my interview with the philosopher below to learn his thoughts on Haiti, The Cleveland Cavaliers and what it’s going to be like to be without a bike for two weeks.

Ethan Austin: Why go to Haiti?  Why is this important to you? 

Adam Chowski: There is no better way to explain it...

“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.”-Henry David Thoreau

I will make a positive impact on anyone I encounter. I will make a difference.

EA: Do you think athletes have a responsibility to step up in times of disaster?

AC: As role models, yes.

EA: Do you know of any other BMXers who are doing anything to support the relief efforts?

AC:  Not at the moment but hopefully others will be motivated.

EA: Has the BMX community been supportive of your efforts so far?

AC: I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by people who support me 100% in the BMX community. If it wasn't for Cody York from ESPN, I doubt I would be doing this interview (Thank you again Cody). From people I have met through travels, people I've never even met, to my best friend/roommate Jake. Word has traveled fast and I would personally like to thank anyone who has taken the time to spread the word and support me. You all are contributing to my motivation to make a huge impact.

EA: What's up with the name Chowski?

AC: (laughs) My last name is Mentkowski  ("Meant-Cow-Ski").

Most people can't pronounce it, so about 5 years ago Chowski came about and I've been going by that since.

EA: How long will you be in Haiti?

AC: 2-3 weeks. It's looking like 2 though now.

EA: Are you going to be working with a relief organization like the Red Cross?

AC: I am actually not going with any organization. I am going as part of a select group through my school.

EA: Will you be bringing your bike?

AC: For once in my life, no. I'd love to but again this trip is solely for those in need. I will have my backpack with 2 sets of scrubs in which I will alternate everyday to wash and one pair of civilian clothes. The rest of the luggage I will be bringing is medical supplies ranging from gowns, gloves, goggles, drapes, instruments, to meds.

EA: From BMX to surgical technician: How did you decide on that career?

AC: To be honest, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field but had no idea to what direction. I feel that everything in life happens for a reason so at the time I applied for clinicals to the RN program, the Radiology Tech program and the Surgical Tech program in which I received a call offering me a limited seat in the Surgical Tech program. Everything has a way of working out because I truly love the surgery department. I still ride any chance I get. Believe me when summer rolls around and I'm out of school. The road will become my home again.

EA: How much longer do you have in school?

AC: Too long. Two more years for the surgeons assistant degree. However, I might be considering in time to come to go to med school to specialize in orthopedics.

EA: Where can we follow your updates from Haiti?  Will you be blogging about your experiences?

AC: I actually plan on documenting everything while I am in Haiti/Dominican and producing a dvd slideshow of what I experienced. However, I will only be able to edit and produce the DVDs when I get home. As for blogging, no internet, no phone, or electricity. I will be sleeping out of a tent.

EA:  I’m an LA guy.  You’re a Cleveland native. You guys swept my Lakers this year.  Are the Cavs finally going to step it up and win an NBA championship in 2010?

AC: No doubt about it, that’s two games now.