Rocking the Boat
by DREW JOHNSEN & EVELYN LINCK staff writers It took a lot of hard work and commitment for Samantha Thoma ‘21 to get where she is today. Middle school is where she initially started her journey as a competitive rower. Thoma reflects, “at my middle school, we went on a field trip and I tried [rowing] once, and I was absolutely hooked, so then I joined the high school team once I got here.” Joining the team was just the beginning of a growing passion for Thoma, and one that she hopes to never lose. Before attending Central, Thoma attended a small, private middle school, and as she grew older, she began to prepare herself for a big adjustment: a large, well-populated, public high school. This was just as much a new chance for Thoma as it was a change. After conquering four years of high school, one of Thoma’s largest takeaways from her experience is adaptability. “Things were always changing and engaging. There was never a dull moment,” she recalls. Rowing acted as the perfect way for Thoma to make some friends when she switched schools. She created many bonds with her teammates, some of whom have survived long distance. “There are a couple people who have graduated and went to college out east and I still talk to them,” Thoma explains. “I’ve been out to visit them, and they visit when they come into town.” These friendships have built a family, which is the thing Thoma loves most about rowing. Even though Thoma dedicates a lot of her life to rowing, she makes sure to save some time to be social. “When I’m not rowing in the warmer months I like to sail, bike, and go on hikes with friends,” she mentions. Thoma’s friends are her support unit. “My friends are always there for me. No matter when or where I can always call them if I need anything or just someone to talk to,” she states. During the rowing season, Thoma tries to be a source of encouragement to the rest of her rowing family. Her goal is 12 // BGQ // May 2021
Photos: Courtesy of S. Thoma
always to “get everybody across that finish line.” Rather than rowing the boat, Thoma directs it, as a coxswain. “I am the person that steers the boat primarily. I have control over the rutter. Especially in a race, I keep everyone motivated and going the same speed on the same cadence,” she explains. Thoma has chosen to chase her dream of rowing after high school, but there are expectations she needs to meet in order to do that, including keeping her grades up, staying in shape during the off season, and being involved in both her academic and extracurricular responsibilities. In the midst of balancing school and friendships, Thoma also had to find a way to relax from the high expectations of academics. She has found her peace in rowing. “It gives me such a sense of calmness and [makes me feel] accomplished,” Thoma explains. School pushes her to her potential and has given her amazing academic opportunities.“It is definitely something that is going to help keep me on track because it is a privilege. I have to have good grades in order to compete,” Thoma says, “and part [of that] is going to the right school to compete competitively.” Thoma has big plans for her future, and rowing helps push her to reach her best potential. “In five years, I see myself having my bachelors of science from Michigan State and going on to either interning at a pharmaceutical company or a hospital,” she states, “or going straight into a masters degree.” //
