During my first semester, I became a member of the Ohio State Women’s Novice Rowing Team. After completing a successful year on the novice team, athletes are given the opportunity to join the Division 1 Ohio State Women’s Varsity Rowing Team, who hold seven Big Ten Championships and three National Championships. Since August, I have learned alongside a large group of young women under an elite coaching staff, including an Olympic Gold Medalist and a First Team All-American. We have learned the basics of rowing and how to use the ergometer, or indoor rower, and tested our levels of physical and mental toughness. I have developed my physical fitness beyond what I ever thought I was capable of, while also learning how to care for my body so it can perform at its best. This has included modifying my diet and sleep schedule to accommodate waking up early for practice at 6:00am and doing over an hour of strenuous cardio and weight training daily. I have learned to prioritize my school work and social life and have made my small amount of free time more productive to accommodate everything I enjoy and need to get done. I am more selective with how I spend time doing extra curricular activities and chose only those that I have a passion for and that will benefit me in the future. I will use the new habits I have developed to become an overall healthier and more productive individual, even after my rowing career is over. I know I will always be able to call on my teammates when I need help, whether it be related to rowing, class, or life. As I am afforded more opportunities as an undergraduate student, I will determine which are truly beneficial and worth my time in order to avoid spreading myself too thin.