
Q&A: Ruby Leverington
5/6/2020 10:30:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Sophomore Ruby Leverington was part of the 2V8 boat that placed 11th at last year's NCAA Championships. She gives us an update on life back home in New Zealand and how she's adjusting to her new normal.
Where are you at right now?
Currently, I am at home with my family in Wellington, New Zealand. We live in a small town right next to the beach, so it's very different from Bloomington.
How are you interacting with your teammates?
I am interacting with my teammates via FaceTime, Snapchat, Zoom meetings and GroupMe.
What advice would you give your fellow Hoosiers during this time?
As athletes we are constantly having to adapt to new - and often unexpected - situations. One of my favorite quotes is "the only place you can prepare for is the place of constant change" and I think this is quite relevant to our current situation. This break from our usual routine is a great way to build more resilience and explore other passions outside of sport. Stay healthy and use this time to realign your priorities.
What are you most looking forward to when you get back on the water?
I am most looking forward to being back in a boat with the girls and feeling the rhythm of us all working together again. Most of all I cannot wait for our 2k racing season because every team is going to be raring to go after missing out on competing for a year.
How has the adjustment gone to online classes?
Online classes have been fine so far, although I am definitely more distracted being at home! My only obstacle has been the time-zone issue as some of my classes are live-streamed and this means I have to wake up at 5am. However, my professors have been very understanding and I feel confident going into the last few weeks of the spring semester.
What gives you encouragement and motivation during this time?
For me right now it's not about finding motivation. Having missed out on our season after all the hard work we put in over winter remains a huge incentive to get better and stronger during this lockdown period. All we need to do is stay disciplined. I do enjoy receiving and sending sweaty Snapchats to my teammates after we have worked out as this reminds me that we're all in it together working towards a collective goal.
What is something you and your family are doing to pass the time?
When everyone is not working, my family and I have been going for walks, reading, listening to music, cooking new recipes and doing arts and crafts like sewing. Personally I am trying to find more ways to be useful during this time and have been making food for one of our elderly neighbors and will be going to donate blood at the hospital later this week!
What shows are you watching?
I am a massive fan of documentaries (I promise they aren't boring) and my favorites recently have been 13th, Our planet and Chernobyl. Tiger King was also pretty entertaining!
What is your major and what are your future career plans?
I am pursuing a B.A in Environmental Sustainability and Ethics with a minor in French. In future I would love to bridge my two degrees and work in an area involving sustainability/conservation/environmental stewardship.
Where are you at right now?
Currently, I am at home with my family in Wellington, New Zealand. We live in a small town right next to the beach, so it's very different from Bloomington.
How are you interacting with your teammates?
I am interacting with my teammates via FaceTime, Snapchat, Zoom meetings and GroupMe.
What advice would you give your fellow Hoosiers during this time?
As athletes we are constantly having to adapt to new - and often unexpected - situations. One of my favorite quotes is "the only place you can prepare for is the place of constant change" and I think this is quite relevant to our current situation. This break from our usual routine is a great way to build more resilience and explore other passions outside of sport. Stay healthy and use this time to realign your priorities.
What are you most looking forward to when you get back on the water?
I am most looking forward to being back in a boat with the girls and feeling the rhythm of us all working together again. Most of all I cannot wait for our 2k racing season because every team is going to be raring to go after missing out on competing for a year.
How has the adjustment gone to online classes?
Online classes have been fine so far, although I am definitely more distracted being at home! My only obstacle has been the time-zone issue as some of my classes are live-streamed and this means I have to wake up at 5am. However, my professors have been very understanding and I feel confident going into the last few weeks of the spring semester.
What gives you encouragement and motivation during this time?
For me right now it's not about finding motivation. Having missed out on our season after all the hard work we put in over winter remains a huge incentive to get better and stronger during this lockdown period. All we need to do is stay disciplined. I do enjoy receiving and sending sweaty Snapchats to my teammates after we have worked out as this reminds me that we're all in it together working towards a collective goal.
What is something you and your family are doing to pass the time?
When everyone is not working, my family and I have been going for walks, reading, listening to music, cooking new recipes and doing arts and crafts like sewing. Personally I am trying to find more ways to be useful during this time and have been making food for one of our elderly neighbors and will be going to donate blood at the hospital later this week!
What shows are you watching?
I am a massive fan of documentaries (I promise they aren't boring) and my favorites recently have been 13th, Our planet and Chernobyl. Tiger King was also pretty entertaining!
What is your major and what are your future career plans?
I am pursuing a B.A in Environmental Sustainability and Ethics with a minor in French. In future I would love to bridge my two degrees and work in an area involving sustainability/conservation/environmental stewardship.
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