Holy Cross rower Amanda McClure makes most of NYC internship

As part of Holy Cross' "My Summer" series, junior rower Amanda McClure looked back at her summer's experience interning and living in New York City. Here is her story, from her own words:

Hello, Sader Nation! My name is Amanda McClure and I am a junior accounting major from North Carolina on the Holy Cross women's rowing team. I have been living, interning at a magazine and rowing in New York City this summer. It's been such a busy summer, but here are a few of my highlights:

At home in NYC:

I am living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in one of Columbia's apartment-style dorms for the summer. It has been an adventure of its own making my new home here, but I have to say it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. The subway makes getting around pretty easy, and walking places is much easier than on Mount St. James! I have become pretty comfortable in the city much more quickly than expected, and have even shown a few friends around who have visited! 

Oprah Magazine:

My internship this summer is on the lifestyle or "style" team at O, the Oprah Magazine. As an accounting major who will be starting at a public firm next summer, this has been a really great opportunity to test the waters in something other than crunching numbers. I have received an up-close look at what the industry of publishing is like, and there is no better setting to do so than at the Hearst Tower in NYC! I am responsible for checking in and returning items that are featured on the "O-List," contacting PR firms, gathering credits and assisting with the editors’ administrative tasks. I get to do my work in the fashion closet along with the other interns, so we really are in the middle of all the action. To answer your question, no I have not met Oprah yet, but the view from the 36th floor is a pretty good consolation. 

RELATED: Follow along NCAA's #SummerU hashtag for more stories

On the water:

I've been lucky enough to be able to row for the New York Athletic Club in Pelham, New York this summer. The club has a long history of success and has produced many world and Olympic-class athletes. Practices started in June and were six days a week. On weekdays, I got up at 3:45 a.m. to get to the boathouse for practice at 5:15 a.m. The schedule was tough but it was worth it. I was able to stay in rowing shape on the water while also honing my technique and getting necessary meters in, all with the goal of being a better rower this fall. The women on the team have become my close friends in just a matter of weeks, and I know we will stay in touch. I look forward to seeing them at races this coming season!

Saders take on NYC:

Throughout the summer I had the fortune of some fellow Saders visiting the Big Apple. The picture above was taken of my teammate Mary Beth Leroux and me at the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn, a collection of very impressive graffiti murals.

MB and I were also able to train together while she was here, getting some erging and a lift in. Mia Lambo, another teammate, also made the trip to NYC, and we went to the Pride parade which was a lot of fun.

Rowhio:

The summer rowing season ended in mid-July at club nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was a really cool event to attend with tons of talented crews from all over the country in attendance and a lot of exciting racing each day. It really got me motivated for the fall season that's approaching! The week was also a really good bonding opportunity for our team and I definitely strengthened friendships that I will have long after this summer. There is something addicting about the feeling of racing, and I can't wait to get back in the boat with my Holy Cross teammates in August!!

I have had quite a full summer in NYC, and I cannot wait to go home to North Carolina for a few weeks before heading back up to Worcester for my third year. I'm hoping you all had fun and fulfilling summers. See you all so very soon!