Sabaa Ismail

“Being on the water is the only thing that calms the storm in us.”
― Arshay Cooper, A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team

“I feel close to this group and know that the moment we experience pain together, we become a team. We feel the same agony because we care about the same thing.”
― Arshay Cooper, A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team

“I really believe that people don’t understand how much I learned from watching Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-air and A Different World. Dwayne Wayne’s character taught me that not matter how hard school gets or not matter what people say about your physical appearance, push through it and be yourself, and always give back to the place that gave to you. Steve Urkel’s character taught me how to love a girl and the importance of patience. The Fresh Price of Bel-air demonstrated how to be a good son, and even if you are without a father, there is still a bright future that lies ahead. I practice everything I learn from these shows in my daily life and I get positive results.”
― Arshay Cooper, A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team

“I can’t even look at the crowd I feel so ashamed. The boat is moving, but the timing is off. Chances are everyone is somewhere else mentally.”
― Arshay Cooper, A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team