There is something about the first day back on the wash deck that never really changes. From the second I stepped outside, it was hugs, catching up, and hearing everyone’s stories from the summer. The wash deck immediately feels like home again. Between the excitement of seeing everyone, getting back in the boats, and knowing there is a whole season ahead, the energy that comes from the first days back is something special.
However, this year, I couldn’t help but notice that things felt a little different. This was my first day of my final season rowing for the NAC.
After getting on the water, the wash deck was full of the usual chaos. Everyone came back smiling, especially after jumping in the water during practice to cool off in this heat wave. As we washed the boats, the debriefs started, with everyone talking about what happened on the water, laughing about random moments, and telling stories that somehow always seem to make practice better. It is one of those parts of rowing at the NAC that I think I’ll miss the most, the fact that even something as simple as washing a boat can turn into time creating memories with your teammates.
I also loved seeing the new group of novices on the wash deck after their first day on the ergs. When I think back on my first day ever rowing, I remember my 8th grade self who had absolutely no clue what she was doing on the machine. Five years ago, I had no idea that that first day would start my journey on this amazing team and create some of my favorite memories over the years. Now, I get to stand here in the final year, and watch a new group start the same journey I’ve been on for the past five years. Suddenly I realized just how much has happened since that first day.
I know this season is going to go by faster than I want it to. There will be a last first day, a last race, a last practice, and eventually a last time washing a boat with everyone on the wash deck. But right now, I don’t want to spend this year thinking about when my favorite moments will end. My goal is to be present for them and make the most of these memories that I will cherish forever.
I have a whole season ahead of me, and I’m so excited for everything that comes with it: the hard practices, the races, the laughs, the debriefs, and all the little moments in between. If these five years have taught me anything, it’s that the little moments are the ones you end up cherishing the most.
So as I enter my senior season and have now completed my fifth first day, I cannot wait to soak up every minute of this final season with this team full of hardworking and talented girls!
Ava Joseph