To many, the continuous repetition of taking strokes seems tedious and boring. For me and many other rowers, however, we find that this repetitive action symbolizes more than pushing a boat through a stretch of water. In essence, the great coaches at Skyline High School emphasize the idea of excellence as our foundation of work ethic, as Kit repeatedly states " We are what we repeatedly do therefore excellence is not an act but a habit". Like many sports, crew is based on the philosophy that if you work hard you will be rewarded. This rigorous sport not only works your body physically but also mentally which challenges rowers on many different levels. As a whole, I have no regrets about both mine and my parent’s decision to join the Skyline crew team.

Persevering is a lesson learned from a stroke that also emphasized working hard in my daily lifestyle. A stroke is more than gliding up to the catch, prying off your legs, and pacing yourself up to the finish. A stroke is the accumulation of the time, effort, and dedication you put in at practice to achieve a powerful push that will move the boat forward. Likewise, you see this in life. In life you work hard in school, create valuable connections, make lifelong friends, and acquire valuable pieces of knowledge that will create a stable and healthy future. At practice, the coaches strive to have rowers push their limits. As a team we have come to realize that everything we do is “mind over matter”. A simplistic “no” is never the correct answer. We are placed in situations that make us realize that we need to complete the task at hand and then prepare for the next one. The idea of pushing our limits to prove that we can do anything is a valuable lesson that our society seems to forget about. As a rower, I have learned that pushing yourself to your full potential everyday is very important. In life I see the same thing, sometimes I think I’ll remember what the teacher says and not take notes. But when the test comes, I am at a complete loss. Crew has reminded me that every day I need to work hard to reach my goals.

Along with working hard every day, I have had the chance to enjoy the social aspect of crew which includes connecting and creating lifelong friendships with rowers, coxswains, and coaches. The Skyline Crew team is made up of an eclectic group of high school students. Our team brings together a wide range of ages, interests, and groups of students that work and bond together. If I did not join crew, I would have never been able to interact with high school students of other ages, groups, and interests who at the same time, that have become my best and lifelong friends.

As a whole, I have no regrets about participating in crew. I am constantly reminded that I need to work hard every day to accomplish my goals, I have made lifelong friends, and I enjoy rowing on a regal stretch of water and passing many other prestigious crew teams. As a rower I have to thank the coaches for their endless love and perseverance. Without them our team would not be what it is today. I also appreciate all the parents’ constant help at regattas. Crew is more than a simple eloquent stroke. In many ways crew is defined by the experience one receives from making friends, working hard, and completing a goal. With the friends I have made and the lessons I have learned crew is more than a sport, it has become an integral part of my life.