Joshuah Thurbee wanted to challenge himself in 2010 to become an athlete, something he could never truly claim.
He focused on physical fitness last year, worked with a personal trainer, and participated in the gay kickball and volleyball leagues, and was a member of the gay rowing team the Chicago Rowing Union ( CRU ) .
"Now, everyone [ I work with ] thinks of me as the athlete," said Thurbee, who admitted he laughs when he hears the label and hates basketball, though he stands 6'6".
"I would always hear my kids [ who I taught ] say that they couldn't do the work because they weren't a math person. I would tell them that they just had to focus, much the way [ I did ] because I was not an athlete [ for most of my life. ] "
Thurbee is in his third season with CRU, a member of the top-tiered competitive team.
"I enjoy getting better [ at sports ] and really like the whole team aspect," Thurbee said. "I love being proud of others [ for sporting accomplishments. ] I even clap for opponents.
"Great things can happen if you work together in sports."
Teamwork is paramount for success on the water—and Thurbee is proud to own a few medals through CRU success.
"I really, really love CRU. I have a lot of good memories over the years," Thurbee said.
CRU is one of two predominantly gay rowing clubs in the United States. The other is in Washington, D.C.
Thurbee has adapted sporting philosophies of success into his real-life teaching work. He also has shared his sporting successes with students and others, to help motivate and inspire them.
Thurbee said he is not a baseball or softball fan, but can't get enough roller derby—particularly, the Windy City Rollers—and he has even traveled out of state several times to attend events.
"Roller derby is so much fun. It's so quick and there really is a lot of strategy involved. I love the physical aspect of the sport," he said.
Thurbee, in 2008, had a housewarming party at his current apartment, and he insisted attendees not bring gifts. Instead, he provided each with a blank canvas and black Sharpie. He asked that all draw something, anything—and most drawings are now mounted and hanging around his apartment.
Thurbee said he logically should have taught English—because he often earned A's in those classes. However, he said, "I really enjoyed teaching math, a subject that I, historically, had to work hard in to get into the top math classes, and I never got A's in those classes. It's been a challenge for me, and a challenge making it fun for others.
"I like the challenge of doing well at something you're not traditionally strong at."
And sports would be just one example.
THE STATS
Age: 36
Neighborhood: East Lakeview
Hobbies: Movies, reading
Job title: Foundations Year Coordinator & Induction Coach, University of Chicago
Relationship status: Single
Favorite local restaurant: Twist
Pets: Two cats: Shadow and Jelly Bean
Favorite local bars: Sidetrack, North End and Wang's
Favorite animal : Giraffe, and has about 25 giraffe-related items at home
