by Jessica Levy, Row New York alumna
1) A bad start does not mean that you are out of the race.
During my senior year at University at Buffalo, I was in the Varsity 8+. We were a fast boat on paper but had a bit of a rocky start during our early spring season. At the Knecht Cup, we had a mediocre performance during the heat and then a semi-final the next morning. During the semi-final, we were in dead last at the start but, inch-by-inch, we crept back up on the field. Because of our fast sprint, we ended up in second place just before the finish line. With the 2nd place finish, we made the grand final and felt so accomplished.
How I relate this to my life today: Even if I have a bad start with a workout, meeting, day, etc. I know that this does not define the outcome.
2) You can perform at or close to your best even when you feel under the weather.
There have been many races, practices, 2k, and 6k pieces when I used not feeling my best to my advantage. Each stroke, I proved myself. My teammates and I broke personal records, won races and won the battle of getting through the day while sick. There is no excuse. While competing, you need to be ready for any challenge in any condition.
How I relate this to my life today: I know I can push myself in my training and work regardless of how I’m feeling. I’ve developed a second nature that kicks in when I need it to. In every situation, if I work towards goals and my persistence does not waver, my circumstances improve.
3) Being proud of your team and your teammates is the key to being a great team member.
When you genuinely treat others well, celebrate their accomplishments, and ensure that they feel your unwavering support, not only do you create a community, but you also set yourself up for success. It’s never good enough to be a part of a team and only care about your own performance. Each stroke depends on how much the girl in front of you and behind you are willing to give, and that depends on their trust in you and the rest of the boat. I have seen some amazing athletes that do not understand this. The more invested you are in your teammates, the better position you are in to succeed individually. That means cheering on your teammates during erg pieces when they are racing and you are not, talking to underclassmen about upcoming races, and stepping into leadership roles that fit your comfort level. You will also benefit by allowing yourself to build great relationships with those working toward the same goals. You will find yourself making decisions for yourself that best impact the team and your teammates will do the same. This builds not only a stronger team but also superior individual discipline.
How I apply this to life today: At work, I try my best to invest in relationships with those on my team and in my department. A connected team is a better team. I recently started a new position and everyone has been so welcoming, a sign of an amazing team. I am a stronger asset to my team because we encourage each other and work well together.
4) Everything is connected in some way. The more you do, the more you can do.
I was always a decent student but did even better once I started rowing. Before rowing, I was going to school then going straight home. I tried rowing on a whim with some of my friends. I didn’t even think I made the team. When I started, I was awful. I was not committed to the sport, I was not in great shape, and did not have a great attitude. Day by day and with a lot of help from my teammates and coaches, I got closer and closer to where I needed to be to succeed. With that, I figured: why not apply the same attitude at school? With some hard work and perseverance, I went from a B student to an A student and I’ve never looked back.
How I apply this to life today: I know that every part of my life is connected. Even though I do not want my work life to bleed into my personal life and vice versa, to keep the two in balance, I need to consciously maintain both. It’s hard to put all of your energy into just one thing and let everything else slide. The best thing to do is to be passionate about every part of your life and not accept anything less. I self-check if I feel like I am not doing my best and work from there.
5) Although you are no longer part of the shared experience, you can still benefit from the lessons you’ve learned, and the friendships you’ve made.
Upon graduating from high school and leaving Row New York, I was somewhat lost when I got to UB and was learning what it meant to compete at a Division-I level. I reminded myself of my experiences and worked my hardest day in and day out. I encouraged my teammates like I always had in high school. I became part of a new community. After graduating UB, I had a whole new set of responsibilities – finding a job, paying for bills, training on my own, etc. It’s been hard to find a balance but I’m stronger because of my rowing roots. I know that just because you are no longer part of something doesn’t mean that you cannot take your lessons with you.
