The effectiveness of Row New York’s youth program is quantifiable, but our statistics do not capture one of our program’s most important outcomes: the sense of family and friendship.
Gabby Francis and Nazirqah Macky met during tryouts for Row New York’s middle
school program. Six years later, despite going to different schools, they developed a close relationship, referring to each other as sisters and as friends who can count on each other for support on good days and bad. There is an ease between them—a feeling of love and, as Nazirqah succinctly put it, a sense of family. They both joined Row New York for the chance to race, visit colleges, and receive academic support. They attribute their scholastic success not only to these activities, but to the bonds of friendship forged through tough practices, cold weather workouts, and travel to races. This past fall, Gabby started her freshman year at Washington College and Nazirqah at Virginia State University. Both were excited about leaving home for the first time.
There was also a sense of mournfulness in recognizing that this next phase of their lives will involve less time together, leaving behind a program that made them feel supported and built up their confidence. Both were resolute in their determination to stay in touch. And as their voices got a bit quiet at the thought of not having each other in close proximity, Nazirqah quietly but firmly said, “It’ll be fine, we will still be there for each other ”.
