This fall, senior and French exchange student Oscar Bletoux was recruited to Columbia University for rowing as a lightweight rower. This is his fourth year rowing and he is a three time national French Champion.

Bletoux sees rowing as a way to make new friends. “You always find really good people to train against and to train with as well as to compete with and against,” says Bletoux. “I hate losing more than I love winning,” he adds. 

On average he has 9 practices in a week, but “during the winter season, we usually have 11-12. If we have an upcoming race day, then we have about 6-7 practices, so we can have an energy boost,” said Bletoux. During some of these practices, he would use the bike to the rowing machine for almost 2 hours every day. 

Bletoux has been living with a host family for the last year now. He sees his family about twice a year during breaks but still has family here in the United States. Bletoux has been learning and speaking English so he was able to “adapt really quickly.”

“Having a host family has been very unique,” Bletoux states, “They have really become my second family.”

Whether it’s your family, friends, counselor, or coaches, it is important to have a strong support system through the college process. Bletoux agrees and believes that during the college process, it is important to get as much help as you can and use all the resources possible.

“This is a process where it is important to get help and use all the tools that you can find,” said Bletoux. To him, it was very important getting help in order to be successful. 

Bletoux recently got recruited to row at Columbia University in New York City, but it wasn’t an easy process. As a junior, he was already emailing and getting in contact with coaches about rowing. Bletoux also had to complete all the college tests in less than a year. 

When it comes to the college recruiting process, “I learned how to manage my time really well,” said Bletoux. He’s learned that managing time is important because you never know when you will be busy or tired and won’t be able to do something.

Another big challenge was the mental aspect, which was the hardest part for Bletoux. 

When visiting Columbia University, Bletoux really liked the atmosphere there and “had a really great feeling with the team.” Everyone seemed to be having a good time at Columbia. This is what helped him decide that Columbia was the best fit. 

DePaul Prep is excited for Bletoux’s future and encourages him on his rowing journey.