The Scholarship That Shaped My Life

Dear Friends of the Pocock Foundation,

When I first discovered rowing, I wasn’t what you’d call a “sporty kid.” One summer when my sister registered for a lacrosse camp, I decided to try out the only “learn to” athletics camp offered- a one-week “Learn to Row” camp. Fueled by excitement to try something new and a touch of sibling rivalry, I was captivated from the first day.

I convinced my parents to help me find a boathouse where I could continue rowing, and after some research, we landed at Pocock. That decision changed my life.

Rowing at Pocock would not have been possible without financial support. It’s an expensive sport, and my family simply couldn’t have afforded it without a scholarship. I’ve always carried so much gratitude for that experience. It’s remarkable to consider how different my life might have been without that opportunity.

From ages 13 to 18, rowing shaped my entire sense of self. It taught me confidence, strength, and a strong work ethic. I learned that when I dedicate myself to something, I can often accomplish it.

As I grew older, the idea of belonging came to mean showing up as my authentic self and being accepted as I was within a community where I could grow and still be supported. To this day, Anastasia and Kate, two girls I met on my novice team, are my best friends.

In my senior year, I was voted team captain. That leadership experience was transformative, as it was my first major opportunity to guide a team. It shaped how I show up as a leader today. To go from someone who had never played a sport to someone entrusted with leading a large team of incredible young women speaks to the strength and impact of this program.

Today, I work at OneAmerica, a Seattle-based immigrant rights nonprofit, as the Administrative Associate for their Washington New Americans program. The confidence and leadership I gained through rowing continue to guide my work every day.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of being in a perfectly moving boat — in sync, balanced, and flying across the water. It’s a kind of belonging you can feel in your bones.

Thank you for making that experience possible for young people like me. Your support doesn’t just open doors to rowing — it opens doors to belonging, confidence, and lifelong community.

With deep gratitude,

Elizabeth Blue

Pocock Youth Rowing, Class of 2018