The Perfect Balance

By the time he reports for work on Monday mornings, Jay Jacobs has already spent two hours out on the Potomac River with GW men's rowing, made the quick change into a suit and tie and taken the seven-stop Metro ride to Capitol Hill.

As an intern for U.S. Congressman Will Hurd, Jacobs works a six-hour shift during which he pens legislative memos, researches bills coming up for vote and leads tours of the expansive complex.

Then, it's back to Foggy Bottom, where the senior from Connecticut has just enough time to grab dinner and review his notes before his Chinese Culture Through Film class, which runs 2 hours and 50 minutes finishing at 10 p.m.

Jacobs wouldn't have it any other way.

"I wanted to make sure I'm taking full advantage of all D.C. has to offer," said Jacobs, who began his internship last August working for Hurd, a Republican representing Texas' 23^rd District.

Hectic workdays and all, Jacobs has perfected the student-athlete balance and reaped the rewards of his hard work in his final year in Buff and Blue.

Just weeks from graduating with a degree in Security Policy, he's put in the time to build an impressive resume with an eye on a career in military intelligence.

Right now, Jacobs is aiming to close out his collegiate rowing career in style after earning a spot in GW's varsity 8 for the first time. This weekend, he'll be in the top boat racing on his home course at the 31^st annual GW Invitational.

"I'm really fortunate to have an amazing family and amazing friends and teammates," Jacobs said. "It can get overwhelming, but having a support system that brings you back up is what gets you through."

The journey hasn't always been easy, but his ability to continue to grow, both as an oarsman and beyond, has fueled his success.

Jacobs hails from a rowing family with his grandfather, father and sister all competing at Princeton, but he arrived at GW without as much experience on the water as most top recruits.

Looking back, head coach Mark Davis remembers Jacobs as a youngster high on potential but in need of polish.

"He's a really good athlete and he's really strong," Davis said, "but he just needed time to develop those fundamental skills."

Slowly but surely, Jacobs translated his impressive ERG scores into results on the water.

As a sophomore, he was a member of the 2^nd Varsity 8 that posted the program's best-ever finish (12^th) at the 2017 IRA National Championship.

Jacobs was back in the same boat last season, edged out from a spot in the varsity 8 by a strong contingent of veteran starboard rowers, led by U.S. National Team member Ben Delaney.

Jacobs' inability to break through led to a frank conversation with Davis about his future in the sport. Ultimately, the memory of coming up just short powered his determination to take the next step.

"I realized I just had one year left to make it," Jacobs said. "I kind of pushed all the buttons and went all out."

Entering this season, Jacobs knew a spot in the top boat was no guarantee. The competition was fierce throughout the fall with the addition of a group of 18 talented newcomers battling for their positions.

Jacobs' improvement plan focused on discipline with an improved diet, more reliable sleep schedule and renewed commitment to the minor details that can make a major difference.

"We always talk about being a 24/7 athlete," Jacobs said. "You're like 'Yeah, I need to do everything right,' but really it turns out to be more like a 20-hour a day type of thing. Maybe you're staying up late playing video games or not eating the best.

"For me, it was about recognizing that everything I do is going to have an impact on how I perform at practice."

From the start, Davis has noticed the difference.

"It's all about perseverance," Davis said. "Jay's just a good reminder of what that means. Last year was definitely his darkest hour, and he just put his head down and went to work. He's done everything you want a senior to do."

For Jacobs, that's meant finding balance amid a demanding schedule.

Jacobs has been interested in a career in intelligence since middle school. The chance to study in the Elliott School was a major factor in his college decision, and he spent months last winter searching for a job that would offer some real-world experience.

The opportunity to work under Hurd has proven a perfect fit. Representing the Southwestern region of Texas, the former CIA officer has a keen interest in legislation centered on security intelligence, which has allowed Jacobs to dive into research he's passionate about.

Throughout the fall, Jacobs worked on the Hill three days per week, which challenged him in a way he'd never been before. He juggled it all the best he could, often showing up at team study hall fresh from a busy afternoon on the Hill dressed to impress.

"When you make a to-do list and you realize you really have no time to waste, then you really have to focus in and cut out everything extra," Jacobs said.

Jacobs has scaled back to just working Mondays in Hurd's office this semester as the rowing season ramps up, but he's still plenty busy preparing for graduation and hopefully an appointment to the Army's Officer Candidate School after that.

"I think it's inspiring," senior teammate Bob Hobert said. "It's been cool to see because he's handled it all so well. Hopefully other student-athletes are watching because he proves that it is doable."

That Jacobs has moved up to GW's top boat along the way is the icing on the cake.

He's thrived in the face of the newfound workload, and he's excited to showcase his progress in front of a slew of friends and family this weekend at the GW Invitational.

"It definitely means a ton," Jacobs said. "There's going to be alumni there, and they're going to see me sitting in the 1V, and they're going to be like 'I'm pretty sure that kid was in the 4V when I was a senior. He really wasn't very good.'

"I've used that as motivation. It's just about believing I can do anything I can set my mind to."

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