Asya Rainey, the Academics Coordinator, recently caught up with Row New York alumna, Gislaine Garcia, to learn about life post-Row New York. From discussing her experience as a first-generation college student to finding beauty and strength through the sport, Gislaine walks us through her development as a student and a rower.
What is one of your most memorable moments as a participant at Row New York?
If I had to pick I would definitely go with the first time I was introduced to sculling and the amazing coach I had (Coach Nico) who helped me fall in love even more with the sport of rowing. As a lightweight in a quad with other lightweights, we were definitely not considered competition for a little while. Coach Nico saw what we thought as weaknesses, in a different light. Racing with my quad allowed me to see the power and beauty in the simplest of forms.
Still it was a huge step for a young developing woman like myself to understand that I was capable of elegant power.
How did Row New York shape you into the person you are today?
Growing up the idea of going to college was more of a goal. My parents always encouraged me to study and keep learning — which I held close to my mind and heart. Joining Row New York, the push to go to college was also there. The help with SAT prep, college applications workshops, and not to mention the college trips themselves, all helped me reach my goal to be in the position that I am today.
I am a proud first generation student at the State University of New York at New Paltz where I’m part of a rap/poetry/spoken word team called Urban Lyrics. I’m also a Resident Assistant and I am the first president of the rowing club here on campus. I wouldn’t say Row New York has shaped me — as I believe that I have shaped myself into becoming who I am. With that being said, I cannot deny that Row New York has helped me pave the way to where I am today.
What does rowing mean to you?
Rowing is a word that has become synonymous with many things. From pain to victory, and many things in between, rowing is something that I was not ready to fall in love with. But still, I did so willingly.
The sport is one in which beauty and pain come together, in what I can best describe as catastrophic elegance, and is something only rowers can fully understand.
Why is it important for you to create a rowing club on your campus?
I wished that there was a rowing club on campus last year and was sad to discover that there was none. With the number of clubs and leadership positions I was already in, as well as my academics, I realized that it was not something I would be able to fully invest in.
This year I was surprised to see that there was a coach who wanted to have this club up and running. His name was Ed Kennedy, and after having a conversation in which he explained what was going on and his access to both equipment and multiple bodies of water I was unable to resist wanting to be a part of it.
The sport of rowing teaches us about many things. From teamwork to mental strength, and even conquering weaknesses, rowing is not only fun but a challenge. For these reasons, I feel that a rowing team here on my campus would allow the chance for many to discover these benefits and take advantage of them for themselves.
