During the 2013 rowing season I made the open first VIII for the first part of the pre-season. Then when we went on our tour in New Zealand, I was dropped to the second VIII and this really upset me. Not only because I was dropped but because I was now in no man’s land. I wasn't in the firsts, I couldn't stay in the seconds and if I was to go to the year 11 first’s crew, someone else would have to move down and that would ruin the whole 16's crew layout. Emotionally, I was destroyed for the rest of the NZ tour. When I got back to Australia, I was determined to push myself to my very limits to work my way back into the first VIII. We had 4 weeks of personal training before the school program resumed and I spent the time building myself up physically and mentally. By then end of the 4 weeks, I was lifting heavier, running longer and remaining focused. We came back to the shed ready to trial for our crews. I achieved the best time in the shed for the ergometer and 11th in the scull trial. I placed 8th overall, landing me the firsts by the skin of my teeth. Without me training in the break, I wouldn't have made the crew I wanted to. This song was my anthem for that 4 weeks and still inspires me to better myself.

This scripture is a great reminder that no matter how many times that I may fall, there will always be somebody to pick me up.

This scripture reminds me that there will be time that it is easier to take the cowards way out but to be righteous is more important.

Thi prayer is a constant reminder to live simply every day. My version of spirituality involves making yourself happy and this cannot be achieved unless you live for yourself. In doing so, however, I feel that in order to live for myself, I must live for others as this is what makes mw happy. So, saying this prayer is a good reminder to live for yourself by living for others.