Row with the Punches

When I think about what has shaped my life, I realize there are many things. My immigrant parents and the way they raised me has shaped me into the person I am today. The environment I live in has produced opportunities such as attending college and getting to travel and see the world. As I really think and look back at my life, however, one experience in particular has irreversibly changed me and my outlook on life. This life changing time was my rowing career.
I attended a Catholic College Prep School. In the very first weeks of my freshman, year I was introduced to the sport of rowing. Before this time, I hadn’t heard of or seen much about the sport, so I was somewhat hesitant. One of my friends had been rowing for about a year already and she tried to inspire me to try it out, so I did. My obsession with the sport sparked instantly. Without any rowing experience at all, I tried out and made the team. I had no idea that this would be the launch of a now unforgettable, l...