From a teen's perspective: Importance of Collaboration
November 13 marked the last fall season regatta I’ll ever participate in as a youth rower. Aside from it being sad for me, because I’ve been rowing for a long time, it also made me more appreciative of working with a team. Triad United Rowing Association has been a major part of my life since I was in sixth grade, and I am thankful for all the regattas I have attended with them.
As I rowed up to the starting line for my last two races, I realized a few things. First, live in the moment. Without this mentality, the beauty of what’ going on around you will pass you by. The venues where I have been rowing for the past six years have been breathtaking, but it wasn’t until it was being taken away that I realized its extent.
Second, harmony is beautiful. In rowing, the boat won’t move efficiently unless everyone is moving as one, appearing to be only one person rowing. Without pulling for the person in front of and behind you, you will go nowhere. I treasure this beauty, as pure harmonious motion is hard to find, especially during these times in the world.
Third, being a part of a team is fun. Coming to work and bonding with the same group of people every day creates a dynamic that is memorable. Yes, we work hard, but we work hard together, so a bit of the pain goes away. I love collaborating with this group of individuals, and am thankful for everything they have taught me.
I didn’t expect to have such profound feelings during this last fall regatta. These contemplations and realizations give me hope for the future. In the midst of a continuously raging pandemic, we need these qualities the most. Appreciation for what we have is so important during this time, as gratitude leads to feeling happy.
With this, we need to work together as a team. Whether it be politically or in everyday life, collaboration with a group that is larger than oneself is extremely rewarding. If society wants to move past whatever this version of “normal” is into a better, safer, happier one, we need to collaborate. It’s easy to get bogged down in seemingly endless concepts, such as a pandemic, but through collaboration with those you feel strongly connected to we are brought into hope and light. I highly recommend being a part of a true team: there is no feeling of hope and love that matches anything like it.
