Personal Statement
Hello, I’m Thomas Wesdorp from the Netherlands, 17 years old, and it is my dream to row and study in the US. When I was 10 years old, I started rowing once in a while at a local club because my father was an olympic rower and I always loved hearing his stories. Although he past away when I was just 10 years old, his stories, charisma en successes will always continue to inspire me.
Back then, I would’ve never known how much impact this sport would have on me in the future and how it would change my life. It has given me more confidence, discipline, work ethic and character development than I could have ever imagined. When I row, it feels like I’m one with the boat and I just love the feeling of water rushing past my bow. The movement gets me in a very focused and almost hypnotic state and empties my head. I’m so grateful for having rowing in my life and everything that it has brought to my life. That’s why I further want to pursue my rowing career in the US.
I’ve rowed competitively for the last 3 years and have rowed and won both national and international competitions ( as shown at my athletics page ). I train a lot in the single scull, a boat class I like as I feel it gives me a great opportunity to better my technique and style. I prefer bigger boat classes, as I just love the feeling and spirit of working and achieving your goals together as a team, and especially the process towards it.
My coaches and crew members know me for being a very hard working, disciplined and happy athlete.
This year, my main goal is improving in every way possible, mentally, physically and as a teammate. I'm doing this by setting specific goals and just working as hard as possible. I'm currently training under a large team of very experienced (and nice) coaches.
Academically I have always been very broadly interested and I didn't always feel challenged by the dutch education system. That's why I did extra programs and activities to challenge myself. After my undergraduate, I want to go to medical school in order to become a doctor. I believe that by pursuing my educational and athletic career internationally I can better myself in a new and different environment to what I’m used to.
By studying in the US I can challenge myself academically, as an athlete and as a person, while following my fathers footsteps and doing what I love.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's anything you want me to tell you!
