What an incredible year. While placing 3rd in the Nationals in Sarasota for Men's U17 4+ was incredible, all that led up to it was even more amazing. Over the past year, I found a new gear for rowing and I've been working harder than ever towards my goals. I am working on being sub 6:30 by next spring, a goal that I think is very achievable. I'm motivated by this sport, my coaches, and my teammates -- and my family. With this new found motivation I plan on using it for both my school and rowing, in order to become the best student-athlete I can be. When I row, write, study and work hard, I see the results and it fires me up even more. While the psychology of rowing (mental focus) is a big part of it, the other part is the joy. The last 200 meters of every 2K isn't always fun -- but the joy of it all drives me.