On the Susquehanna River

“I grew up on the Jersey Shore, so being on the water makes me feel at home.”

When I started rowing in high school, I discovered that it was more than a sport. It has been a source of tranquility and has made me a calmer person. Through rowing, I have learned that the best way to get through rough, choppy water is to stay calm. The more tense you are, the shorter your stroke and the more unbalanced the boat will be, making the water harder to get through. By staying calm and relaxing your shoulders and hands, the boat will be more balanced, and it almost glides through the waves. I have taken this mindset off the water, and now find myself relaxed in almost any situation.

Spending so much time in nature has allowed me to practice gratitude. Because the water is such a quiet place, the smallest aspects of nature become amplified. Whether it is the way the sun is hitting the water, or the sound of the water flowing, or the way the hills frame the river in just the right way, it is all so incredible and gives me a deeper appreciation for this planet we live on.

My favorite time to be on the water is at sunrise, when the world is quiet. It allows me to find a sense of peace and focus before beginning my busy day. I love being able to see where the starry night meets the orange glow of the sun, and then it emerges into some amazing colors that are different each day. The stunning backdrop of the morning sky makes the sacrifice of sleep worth it.