Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Cianna Fullerton

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! My name is Cianna Fullerton. I am on the rowing team at Robert Morris University. I rowed all throughout high school at Row New York, and I am from St. Albans, Queens, N.Y.

What is your favorite quote, and why?

My favorite quote is from the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." It's, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Call me corny, but I feel like this quote helped me with the art of noticing. Stopping for a second to notice the small things made me have a greater appreciation for life and all the small things that make a big difference.

What impact has rowing made on your life?

Rowing has impacted my life in more ways than one. Being on a team busted me out of my shell and made it possible for me to have a second family, as well as instill the ability to form relationships on the go. Before rowing, I was nervous about speaking up for myself as well as other people. It helps me push past what I once thought I couldn't do and beyond.

What is the essence of you?

When I consider what defines me, what encapsulates my essence, I think of my family and friends. I am a reflection of the people I surround myself with. I undoubtedly am my own person. However, I admire something about every single person in my life. Good or bad, I have been provided with experiences and conversations that have always led to some type of growth.

A flower doesn't need perfect conditions to grow, and I am a flower. I use my experiences to find peace, even in the worst situations. My parents, especially, have instilled certain things in me that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. They taught me the power of thank you and no thank you and the power I have in me even when I feel powerless.

How, if at all, does your identity play a role in shaping who you are and who you will continue to become?

My identity 100% plays a role in how I am and how I carry myself. The student, athlete, friend, sister, and daughter in me all bring things to the table that are in my mind; it's like they all sit there and help me... be me. They also all help each other; for instance, being a good friend makes me a better sister, and so on. They help me understand and interpret how people feel and make me conscious of how I make other people feel. I also believe that all these identities will continue to mature and that more will join the table in my head. I believe that every experience is an opportunity to become better.

The theme for Black History Month 2024 is African Americans and the Arts. How do you feel rowing exists as an art form?

I believe that beauty can be found in anything if you look for it. I mentioned the art of noticing. Noticing even the smallest things can make a huge difference, and in rowing, every small change counts – from how you move with your teammates to move as efficiently as possible to the click of the oar and the sound of a stroke.

There is beauty and art in every aspect of rowing; being a rower in itself is beautiful. Working with teammates to reach the same goal and doing an insane amount of work for an 8-minute or 20-minute race is beautiful. Waking up to row under the stars and watch the sun rise and the day start is beautiful.

Art can also be grotesque and glorious at the same time. No, blisters and backaches aren't particularly beautiful, but the work and pain that one goes through because they are dedicated and determined, are.

Browse the official USRowing Black History Month Resource Guide here.