Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Jayden Dasher

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jayden Dasher, and I am from Newark, New Jersey. I started rowing my freshman year of high school, rowed for both Saint Benedicts Prep and Brick City Rowing, and now row for Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

What is your favorite quote, and why?

"Pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever."

— Lance Armstrong

This quote means a lot to me, especially as a rower. It reminds me that pain during training is short-lived, but the regret of quitting would stick with me for a long time. It's a reminder that pushing through tough times is worth it, because giving up would leave a lasting disappointment.

What impact has rowing made on your life?

Rowing has taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. I've learned that success comes from synchronized efforts, a steady commitment to practice, and the mental strength to push through challenges. Rowing has also shaped my ability to work with others towards a common goal and has instilled a sense of resilience that I can apply to other areas of my life.

What is the essence of you?

The heart of who I am is defined by my selflessness and motivation. Whether I am supporting my teammates in rowing or helping friends, I consistently put others' needs alongside my own goals. This combination of caring for others and striving to be the best I can be is what characterizes me.

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

Being a leader and staying motivated are big parts of who I am. Leading others has taught me to be responsible and to always try my best. My drive keeps me going forward, even when things get tough. These parts of me shape how I act every day and how I will grow in the future. I plan to keep leading and staying motivated, so I can achieve my goals and help others do the same.

What is something about you or your culture you wish more people understood?

The main thing I wish more people understood about Black culture is that it is okay to do your own research. It is okay to see something you appreciate, and learn about it. Learning the history behind certain practices may help people understand why they are meant to be appreciated, not adopted.

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

Rowing is an art because it takes a lot of practice and skill to move a boat correctly. It's about teamwork, technique, attentiveness, and timing – almost like music – where everyone has to work together in rhythm. This makes rowing fit right in with Black History Month's theme of African Americans and the Arts. It shows that there are many ways to make art, and a sport like rowing is one of them. It's a different way of looking at how we can be creative in our actions and how we work with others.