May 1, 2003
Before the crush of final exams and the end of the school year, seniors Bessie Jackson and Lauren Yoder took time out to answer questions from TarHeelBlue.com about their experiences as members of the UNC rowing program. Jackson, who is from Georgetown, Calif., has been member of the team for the last two years. Yoder, who is from Charlotte, N.C., and served as a team captain this season, has been part of the program since the start of her freshman year. She is in her third season on the varsity squad.
TarHeelBlue: How has rowing shaped your Carolina experience?
Bessie Jackson: Most of my memories from Carolina revolve around rowing or the friends that I've made while on the team. I can't imagine one day here without it.
Lauren Yoder: Rowing, in large part, made up my Carolina experience. My
friends from the team are the most enduring friends I've made here. My schedule for the last four years has revolved around practices and competitions, and it has provided me structure.
THB: You didn't come to UNC as a scholarship athlete, so what influenced your decision to row?
Jackson: I always wanted to play a sport, and I wasn't able to in high school. I've always loved swimming and kayaking, basically anything to do with water. Rowing gave me a chance to be on a team and be in the water. It is the perfect combination.
Yoder: I wanted to be on a team. I wanted to be challenged. I wanted to belong to something big. I didn't even know what rowing was, but it has become a part of me.
THB: Now that you are a senior, how has your role as a part of the team
changed? Do you find yourself setting goals for the team?
Jackson: I don't think my role has really changed. I'm expected to try as hard as I can every day. I fully believe in all of the goals we have set for the team, both in the long term and the short term. The only difficult part is knowing that I won't be hereto see the long-term goals reached.
Yoder: This year I was honored to be selected co-captain. I see my role as a leader because of my experience, which I can share with the team. I find myself trying to set goals for the team, but more trying to lead by positive example.
THB: How have you balanced the requirements of Division I athletics and your role as a full-time college student?
Jackson: It can be very hard to do some days. Between classes, rowing practices and working, my calendar is pretty full. I focus on the things that are really important and try not to worry about the small stuff. My family and friends help me keep my priorities in order.
Yoder: Having so much to get done in an allotted amount of time forces you to prioritize and manage your time efficiently. I actually think I do a better job of those things having to work around rowing than I would with too much free time on my hands.
THB: What makes rowing different from other sports?
Jackson: I don't think a lot of people know that there is a varsity rowing team at UNC. So the difference is that rowers stay because they love to row, not for the glory.
Yoder: Rowing requires eight bodies to move in perfect sync with one another. It is different because it is both an individual and team sport. You don't have to anticipate a play or a throw from a teammate, but you have to know your teammates' every move and follow it with precision. Similar to many other sports, rowing is rigorous and intense.
