“All rowers sitting ready, oars squared and buried at the catch. Attention. Ready… Row!”
Less than a month ago, I had no idea what any of those words meant. I had no idea where the catch was, which side was starboard, and what stroke ratings were. Less than a month ago, I had never set foot in a rowing boat. The only thing I knew when I showed up for the first day of practice was that if I said the words, “all ready, row” the boat would start moving, and that was the goal, right?
Today, however, these words and phrases have become a part of my everyday vocabulary, because I am now a coxswain on the High Point University rowing team. I am out on the water almost every day spending countless hours in a boat with my teammates. In these past few weeks my life has changed so much, and rowing has quickly become a part of me, despite many ups-and-downs on the journey to get where I am today.
The most common question I am asked when someone finds out I’m on the rowing team is “how did you decide to join the rowing team?” and I’m honestly never quite sure what answer to give them. The truth is that simply one morning, I woke up and had the idea in my head that I wanted to start rowing. Maybe it was because I was bored and wanted to find a new challenge or maybe it was because I missed being a part of a team, but either way, I got this idea in my head and eventually I talked myself into it and met with the coaches about walking on.
However, in the weeks leading up into school, I suddenly became very anxious. After having such a rough running career, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to repeat another three years of painful injuries and disappointment; I wasn’t sure if rowing was going to be for me. So in the week leading up to school, I decided that I wasn’t going to go out for the team and that the athletic chapter of my life would be officially closed.
I contacted the coaches and informed them of my decision, and although they completely understood, they asked if I had any interest in coxing, as they were in need of some new coxswains. As a relatively short, small girl, I was a pretty strong candidate, and had originally considered joining the team in either capacity (as a rower or coxswain). But since I had already made up my mind, I decided I would stick to my decision.
Fortunately, that did not sit well with me. Even though I had talked myself out of it, weighing the pros and cons, I continued to feel this calling on my heart. I continued to think about finding something that could be “my thing” and something that could shape and define me. I continued to think about the amazing things that rowing could give me and the experience I could be missing out on. So after a week of anxiety, nightmares (yes, actual nightmares), and a panic attack, I joined the team as a coxswain.
And this was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Almost instantly, my life changed forever, and I was suddenly launched into a brand-new, exciting adventure. Suddenly, I became a part of something greater than myself and found something where I could really make a difference. I found something that could be unique to me and something none of my family or friends had tried before. I found an outlet for my motivation and competitive energy, and I found a place where I could work hard and be committed to something.
Even though I have only been coxing for a few short weeks, I have already fallen in love with the sport. There is truly nothing quite like being out on the water with four or eight other people working towards a common goal. Whether you’re out on the lake competing or practicing, there’s always a sense of extra motivation to work hard because you’re not only doing it for yourself, but you’re doing it for your team, and its reassuring to know that you always have the support of your team behind you.
It’s crazy for me to think that in such a short time, I have found a new passion, a new family, and a new purpose. In just a few short weeks, I have learned so much, and have been challenged in so many new ways. In less than a month, I went from knowing next to nothing about rowing, to being able to control a boat with confidence. I even helped lead my boat, our novice women’s four, to a first-place finish at our second regatta ever.
And what’s even crazier, is that I almost didn’t do it.
I almost decided, “rowing wasn’t for me” before I even tried it. I almost gave up on something before I even gave it a chance.
This story could have had a million different endings and may not have ever been told if I hadn’t taken the leap of faith to follow my heart and go outside of my comfort zone. With each decision we make, we can truly change our lives, and in this case, joining the rowing team has been life-changing. So my advice to you is don’t be afraid to take risks; don’t be afraid to try new things and do things that scare you, because it may become the best thing that has ever happened to you.
Be fearless and always put yourself out there. Life is too short to live with regrets and life is too short to always wonder “what if.” Even though it might be scary, give it a chance because it may end up changing your life for the better. Don’t be afraid to listen to the little voice inside of your head that’s pushing you and have the courage to follow your heart. Live fearlessly and without regrets, and amazing things will happen.