Sometimes, life is made up of missed opportunities; of doors that closed, opening beautiful windows that offer a new way to see the world. In the fall of 1997, something I didn't get led to something that changed my life. Now, I'm hoping to spread my love of rowing to as many new crew members as I can.
In September 1997, I was a sophomore at Marquette University. I tried out for the play Godspell - and, was one of a handful of people to get called back for the final auditions. Sadly, I didn't get the part - and, I was looking for some other way to spend my time that fall semester.
I remembered the posse of girls in my freshman dorm and their matching Marquette Crew jackets. They seemed like a fun, cohesive group - and, they were in incredible shape. So, I went to a meeting, tried out and made the team. I was a rower (then, I became a coxswain - the loud, bossy one that steers the boat and encourages the team.) When I joined, I had no idea the incredible experience that awaited me. I made some of the best friends of my life in those boats - and, I saw great cities from a view most people never get to see. Three years of early mornings and countless regattas later, it was time to graduate and leave the sport I grew to love behind.
Or so I thought. A couple of years ago, I felt that strong itch to get back on the water.
