March 27, 2006

"Rowing three times a day and running almost six miles on top of that; sounds more like a rowing boot camp to me," my dad jokingly commented after I sent him my itinerary. I guess it could seem that way by looking at it. However, our spring break trip was more than just a "rowing boot camp." It encompassed pain, excitement, frustration, sweat, determination, success, and fun.

I rowed for five years in high school and never had I experienced such a spring break. I discovered way-back-when in eighth grade that once you committed yourself to the sport, it meant having to make some sacrifices, one in particular being spring break. I never minded much in high school because where I live, way out in the country, there isn't really anywhere to go. Walking around campus a couple weeks before break, I could hear people talking about how they were going to Europe or the Virgin Islands. Girls were already hitting the tanning beds getting ready for the beach. Although Elberton, Ga., is no Cancun, I was more excited than ever to venture down to Georgia.

I'm not quite sure what my original idea of Georgia was going to be like, but I have to say the real thing was so much better. Lake Russell was wonderful, always providing us with a variety of necessary rowing conditions. Cabin life was great! All of us bonded really well and we definitely had some memorable moments.

Like I said before, Elberton, Ga., is no Cancun, but the experiences I had you can't get anywhere else. We came together as boats and as a team, fighting for each other every day. I worked harder than I ever had before and came back to Bucknell ready to work even harder. I don't think Cancun could prepare you for that.

-Whittney Henry '09