In continuation of our weekly staff spotlight, we sat down with Annie Arrighi-Allisan to learn more about her background and goals for the summer. We’re incredibly lucky to have such committed and enthusiastic volunteers over the summer!
Q: Are you an intern or volunteer this summer?
A: Intern
Q: Which program are you working with this summer?
A: Middle School, Manhattan
Q: How did you learn about about Row New York?
A: Through a program at my school.
Q: What do you hope to learn this summer through your work with Row New York?
A: I hope to learn how to make a student’s eyes light up at something completely unexpected. If I can make them excited about something they’ve always found dull, that would make my entire summer worth it.
Q: Where do you attend college? What is your major?
A: I’m currently a rising senior majoring in neurobiology at Harvard College.
Q: Do you row? If yes, what’s your favorite thing about the sport?
A: I rowed competitively throughout high school, but now I choose to casually torture myself on the erg just for fun (and for hands-down the best cardio workout). My favorite part about rowing is the moment where you think you’ll never be able to make it, and then from some deep, primal place, you get this incredible second wind that brings you back to life. That doesn’t happen every time. But when it does, it keeps me going back for more.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I love to sing, both classically and with my college a cappella group, play violin, and–despite my vegetarianism and love of animals–perform craniotomies on small rodents (in my lab at school).
Q: What’s something you learned about Row New York that you didn’t know before interning/volunteering with us?
A: I don’t think I realized just how much of a community RNY provides for the kids they support. Seeing how eager the kids are to come into the office to boast about SAT scores and eat pizza in the erg room makes me feel like the kids aren’t just getting a jumpstart on academics and athletics, but they’re also being embraced by a supportive, flourishing community.
Good luck this summer, Annie, and thank you for interning with Row New York!
