THE MOST DIFFICULT STEP YOU TAKE IS ALWAYS THE FIRST. It was not an easy decision to go to the first practice at the boathouse for the Michigan men's rowing team. There were a million thoughts running through my head...What if I am not cut out for this? What if I'm the only one with no prior experience? Will I fit in with the other rowers and coxswains? I had to push aside every negative thought, which definitely wasn't easy, and muster up the courage to take that first step, but now I can say that step was one of the most important steps I ever took.

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No I'm not going to cox for the rest of my life, it's a fun hobby, but there are other things that I have discovered I love more. However, I am confident that the relationships that I made while on that team will be some that I carry with me forever. I will also have a version of myself to proudly look back at in the future. When I'm feeling discouraged, I'll remind myself of that girl who got up, faced her fears, ignored any negative thoughts, challenged herself, went out of her comfort zone and learned something new.  

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