by Ruby Lyon
Earlier this month, Row New York coaches and academic staff had a blast catching up with the class of 2015 alumni. Over coffee and treats, we were given insights into the freshman experience. A broad range of topics were covered – from the classes they loved, to social justice, the best music on campus, to the transition of rowing at a collegiate level. Row New York’s Deputy Director, Jennie Trayes, reflected that it was, “so inspiring to see ‘my middle schoolers’ all grown up, sharing stories about their first semester in school, and having an impact (already!) on a community beyond Row New York.”
Below, three of our recent graduates share their updates, advice, highlights, and how hard work pays off in the form of success. A huge thank you to Juan, Theo, and Lauren for their incredible reflections!
Juan Graciano | Marietta College/ Borough Manhattan Community College
by Juan Graciano
When it comes to student life and academics, my first week at Marietta College (MC) was surprisingly easy. I was already friends with the guys on the rowing team, and I didn’t have to go through the regular “looking for friends” freshmen thing. Everyone on the team gave us tips on what classes to choose, so practice didn’t intervene with our class schedule. Additionally, my professors didn’t really fill me up with a lot of work until I was two weeks into classes, which helped with the transition of high school to college.
Rowing wise, practice wasn’t easy. During the first week of classes, we had “test week”. This consisted of a 20 minute test on a Monday, a 90 minute test on a Wednesday (plus stairs), and a 2k on a Saturday. Out of all the tests, the 90 minutes was the most painful thing I’ve ever done on the erg. At the same time, it made me feel happy finishing it – not everyone can go through 90 minutes of pain.
Even though I’m transferring to Borough Manhattan Community College, I had a good experience with the rowing team at MC. The best advice I can give to my old teammates looking to row in college is that you should always want to go that extra mile. Going to practice every day can improve your scores on the erg, but imagine how much faster you would be if you spent at least 3 days after practice going to the gym and doing extra work. I say this because, there a lot of rowers who want to row for college, and they’re not slow. You always want to be at their same level or faster. When it comes to seat racing, the results will show who put in the most work.
Theo Simko | Wesleyan
by Theo Simko
Hello, from Middletown, CT! The first semester at Wesleyan has passed in a blur and I can’t wait to go back to finish up my freshman year. At Wes, I’ve found a great group of friends and experienced challenging and exhilarating classes. This past semester, I took full advantage of the open curriculum, taking only English and Social Science classes. I loved them all! Next semester, though, I’ll definitely be taking at least one math class (don’t worry, Mom and Dad!).
Rowing! It was great to fall into a team atmosphere when I arrived on campus, and being a part of Wesleyan Crew has certainly enriched my college experience. One slight change: I am now a coxswain! Coxing has been a completely new and different experience from rowing. It is certainly more challenging and stressful than I could have ever imagined, but also incredibly rewarding. It’s truly an honor to cox the amazing athletes (and friends!) in my boat. Throughout the fall season, the Wesleyan crew team has seen much success, and it has been great to have been a part of it. I’m looking forward to the Spring!
Besides rowing (or coxing, now, I guess I should say), I have been spending time as an Editorial Assistant at the Wesleyan University Press — my on-campus job. It’s been fascinating to peek my head into the complicated world of publishing — full of manuscripts, reviews, and meetings!
College was certainly an adjustment from high school, but it has been going well and I am excited to return. I enjoyed visiting Row New York over break, and I can’t wait to come say “hi” during March!
Lauren Michelson | Boston College
by Lauren Michelson
I absolutely loved my experience coxing the varsity girls team at the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse in Upper Manhattan. There, I learned and grew more as a person and a coxswain every day. A practice on the Charles doesn’t go by without thinking of my time at Row New York and the skills I attained on the Harlem River. If I could give advice to anyone interested in rowing or coxing at the collegiate level, I would encourage building in additional time to your regular practice schedule to work on things like core and flexibility. It really does help with avoiding injuries, especially when adjusting to a harsher and vigorous schedule.
I grew more confident and comfortable in my position over time at RNY and that has supported me as a freshman coxing the women’s varsity rowing team at Boston College (BC). The shift from rowing at the high school level to division one, especially the Atlantic Coast Conference, has been a steep learning curve, but well worth the effort. Being an athlete at BC has its perks and the athletic community here is incredible. My fellow freshmen are becoming a second family to me. One major event that I coxed was the Foot of the Charles Regatta where the Boston College freshman placed first and third in the freshman 8 event, beating a wide range of competition.
Another opportunity I was afforded was spending a week in New Orleans with 18 other athletes for a week of service over winter break. We explored the French Quarter as well as built a home for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. It was a wonderful experience getting to know other athletes who understand what a commitment it is. I can’t wait to see what the spring season has in store, including racing against other RNY alumni at the ACC Conference Championship!
We’ve said this before, but for those students who are having the time of their lives, rock on. And for those who are struggling with any aspect of a new transition, Row New York is always here to support. Good luck to all of our alumni on their second semesters and beyond!
