Aylin Arditi Seat: 6R Position: Engine Room

Posted September 29, 2009, 3:41 pm

1. Tell us about the best time you ever had as a Pink Dragon Boat paddler.

I would have to say since my dragon boat paddling experience is extremely limited (I have been only on the water four times so far) the best time I ever had was the first time on the water. I was in total awe the whole time as to how vigorous yet how 'accommodating' team paddling was. The beauty of it was that the strong gals would carry the less strong gals, a perfect example of synergy. One is able to take it at their own capabilities without disrupting the boat, if working in harmony, potentially attaining a powerful drive that moves the boat smoothly as a unit. Individualism is left behind, all you see is one body of powerful group of women carrying each other across the finish line.

2. What are your hobbies or passions? When you're not paddling, what do you like to do?

Since I am blessed with the opportunity to be able to work from home, I am able to spend a lot of time with my daughter who has not yet flown away to college and my dear husband. I also complete (not compete. ..) in triathlon events, practice Ashtanga and Kundalini yoga, like to ride my road bike, am a member of Orlando Rowing Club and row sweep with the Local Group. Sometimes I also go out in a scull. I like to introduce others to the sports that I am part of and get immense joy if I am able to “spread the word of fitness.”

3. What famous person – past or present – would you like to have dinner with? Why? Where?

Shirley MacLaine - as she introduced me to the spiritual aspect of myself. Place? Bhutan.

4. Who has had the most powerful influence on you? Why?

My grandmother. She has been symbolizing the pillar of strength and courage for me during all periods of my life. Her good judgments, gentle yet iron fist handling of situations (she chased a burglar out of her home when she was 92), her positive outlook on life no matter what is thrown her way, the way she keeps up-to-date with technology and her balance in all aspects of her life never ceases to amaze me.

5. Tell us about your family.

We have two wonderful daughters, ages 17 and 20. The older one is at the University of Florida striving to be a reconstructive surgeon in order to help people who are going through tough times like I had after my bilateral mastectomy. The younger one is a amphibious senior in Dr. Phillips High School spending her time in the pool as a swimmer and water polo player. We have been together with my dear husband, who has always been on my side throughout every challenge I have faced, for 30 years.

My father is a six-time cancer survivor now battling pancreatic cancer. My mother is in the footsteps of my grandmother living life to the fullest and always there when I need to lean on. Our daughters think that she is the coolest grandmother doing parasailing!

What’s missing in this picture? You guessed right: Siblings. Interestingly this dangerous venture of BC Survivorhood has introduced me to the survivor sisterhood which is a group that gets as close to biologic sisterhood as a group possibly could.

Editor's Note: Sadly, Aylin's father passed away shortly after she completed this expose'.

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