Lessons from the River

Oxford has many traditions, and this past week I had the privilege of experiencing one that has been close to my heart for years, Summer Eights, the university’s main rowing event.

In my younger days, I was a competitive rower, so the idea of rowing at Oxford always felt like a distant dream. This year, despite challenges that nearly prevented it, I found a way to make it happen. That in itself was a powerful reminder: when you want something badly enough, perseverance will open a path.

The event itself was extraordinary. Imagine hundreds of people lining the riverbanks for four days of racing, cheering as crews battled in the unique “bumps” format. The energy was electric. Yet amid the excitement, there was also a moment of profound silence, as everyone paused together to honor a tragedy that had occurred on the river earlier in the week. That juxtaposition of joy and grief, competition and community was deeply moving.

It struck me how traditions like this carry lessons beyond the sport itself. They remind us of resilience, of connection, and of the importance of showing up fully even when circumstances are difficult.

So I leave you with a question: What dream have you carried quietly in your heart that deserves to be brought back into the light? And what would it take for you to find your way toward it, no matter the obstacles?

Warmly,

gina 🙂