by Hector Maquieira, Manhattan Academics & College Success Coordinator
This past Saturday Row New York hosted its annual Row(d) Map to College event. It was a brisk March morning, but that did not deter parents and rowers, who came with an appetite for as much information as possible on the complicated college application process. With the help of engaging and informative guest presenters, including Sully Diaz, Randy Frazer, Michael Muska, and Tahirah Dutton, the event offered comprehensive information and guidance on financing college, athletic recruiting and more.
The event began with an introduction by Miosotis Pantoja, Row New York’s Director of Academics, and a brief presentation by Michael Muska, a renowned expert on the college admissions process with over 30 years experience at elite universities. Afterwards, rowers and parents made their way to their choice of four workshops:
— Financing 101,
— Finding The Best Fit College for You,
— Athletic recruiting, and
— Supporting students through the application process and first year of college.
It was an inspiring sight – parents and rowers, sitting side by side, focused on getting as much information as they could, so they could make the best decisions for their education and beyond. There were plenty of great questions being asked at each workshop, and it was obvious that the audience understood how important education is to the healthy development of the rowers.
At the end of the day, participants and parents split up into the Boathouse Breakouts. There, each of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens coaches and academic coordinators presented slideshows about what the boathouses have been working on, and what is to come in the spring and summer.
All in all, the event was a great success. A lot of planning and work went into setting everything up, and the parents and rowers really showed us that it was well worthwhile. It was the first Row(d) Map to College for me, and it really set a strong impression in my mind of how dedicated everyone in the Row New York family is to working together and moving forward. I’m looking forward to next year’s event being even better!
Row(d) Map to College is an important event at Row New York. The access to quality college counseling across the city is variable. We want to ensure that all of our students and their families are getting the best access to information. Additionally, part of creating a “college-going culture” is talking about college and sharing accurate information. A huge impediment to college access is the not knowing what you don’t know.
