St Edward's Rhubarb Issue 5

ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

49

How has rowing helped you get a place at Dartmouth and how is it a benefit to be on the ‘crew’ programme? Being part of a team is having another family to rely on. Much like at Teddies, I spend most of my time with or around members of my team, eating, training, or chilling out. I would say having done this for almost six years now, rowing is one of the most essential parts of my identity. Being part of the program here allows me to express who I am. It also gave me something in common with over one hundred other people in various years on the first day. Are there many other ‘Brits’ at Dartmouth? Are you hanging on to your accent and how does it affect your social life? There are a couple of British people here, though I must admit to purposely avoiding trying to make friends with other British people solely because they are British. My accent is just as strong, and if possible, my sarcasm is even better! This is a source of particular enjoyment as many of my new friends were unversed in this form of wit before they met me. I have, of course, taken steps to fill in the large gaps in their education. Being British completely sets you out from the crowd - it is an even more powerful label than being a rower. How might your life be different if you weren’t rowing? I don’t think I would enjoy my life as much. I would have no team and it is very unlikely I would stay in shape.

You rowed in two finals forTeddies, when might we next see you race at Henley? By decree of Coach Allen, the Dartmouth Heavies will not race at Henley unless we come in the top four at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Regatta. While this might not seem so hard there are several universities in the US with truly excellent programs. Dartmouth had been doing poorly for a period of almost ten years prior to the arrival of Coach Allen. He is an Olympic bronze and gold medalist as well as winner of the Diamond Sculls and I have no doubt that he will change the face of this program within my time here. What advice would you give to those considering a move toAmerica to study – who gave the best advice? The only way that you will get a feel for the university is if you go and visit it. I visited Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth and Brown. I knew instantly I would hate Harvard and Brown, Yale seemed like fun, and then I got to Dartmouth. I am a very outdoorsy person and being able to ski, camp, and kayak every weekend played a huge role in my decision to come here. The best advice is visit before you apply. Any final wise words of wisdom to our next set of leavers? It is seriously amazing over here, although the complete incapacity to make drinkable tea is unnerving. Yet despite all their

peculiarities, Americans are likable people, and this is hands down the most enjoyable period of my life to date. I am working harder now then I have ever done before, both in and out of the classroom, on and off the water. This is my adventure, and I don’t expect it to be easy, nor do I know where it will take me or what I will do along the way. Really what I’m trying to say is if you get an opportunity like I did, go for it, because you’ll never get it again.

M A R T Y R S

Dartmouth Crew, bottom left: Albert Mitchell