I first started rowing in my freshman year of high school. I developed a deep passion, partly because of the physical and mental benefits of the daily outdoor workout, but also in large part due to the connections I made and the community I felt a part of. I didn't have a chance to join the Michigan Men's Rowing team last season because I came to the University in the Winter term. I did not even have plans of joining this semester until I was recruited by some of my old high school friends I rowed with. I was reluctant in joining because I had a pretty rough schedule with 16 credits (two difficult EECS courses), my work in MAAV, and of course my part-time job at ARC, however, I decided to give it a try, and if anything it has made me even more productive with my time. Since the start of the term, I have frequently found myself in "panic mode" where I always have things that I need to do, so I spend less time on unnecessary things (like social media) and I am always trying to maximize my efficiency when doing assignments, projects or studying. My grades have also reflected this concept almost halfway through the semester compared to my grades in Winter 22, even though I have much tougher classes.