Rowing

One summer my family and I visited my grandparents in Italy. On an afternoon walk with my grandfather, we passed a rowing club and saw crews paddling on a lagoon. My interest was piqued. I signed up for a learn-to-row program. The first day, my cousin and I went out on the water in a double scull. We struggled to control the boat, but it didn’t matter. It was strenuous, challenging, and exhilarating. Most importantly, I couldn’t hurt my head.

That fall I joined the Greenwich Water Club and committed myself to rowing. The sport requires consistency and precise technique.  It took me months of daily practice to develop the muscle memory I needed. Over the course of four years, I have trained and competed in three countries at five independent clubs. Six days a week I practiced, gaining strength and rigor. We competed. We won. The boats got bigger. The teams more competitive.

Each time I step into my seat, I become one with the boat and my fellow oarsmen. When the starting shot sounds, we pull as one force, and surge forward with incredible acceleration. Oars whip out of the water in unison, then dip again with rhythmic power. When the current pushes against us and the waves come crashing in, we do not stop—we push harder. When other boats pass, we do not lose faith—we push harder. Late in the race, when the pain reaches every molecule in our bodies, we do not stop—we push harder. And even when another crew crosses the finish line ahead, we do not let up until the race is over.

Intensely pursuing rowing has demanded balance: giving enough time to my school work, my sport and my social life. Teamwork, collaborating with others to overcome any obstacle, has framed and filled my high school career. Through rowing, I developed  persistence to push myself to get the better grade, lead a group to accomplish a goal, and seek help when I’m struggling. When we are in the boat, we face backwards but push forwards. As in life, we cannot see what the future holds.

I proudly rowed for the Bucknell Men’s Crew team through my college career. Rowing with the team was everything I could have ever hoped for. My fellow teammates will always brothers.