Dahm-inating a full schedule
May 26, 2015 | Women's Rowing
May 26, 2015
MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin rowing program's student-athletes who are not only known for their amazing strength and speed shown at Porter Boathouse each day, but the type of people they are beyond the boathouse.
Brianna Dahm, a senior from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, has been one of the most involved athletes on the team. During her time at Wisconsin, Dahm has rowed, joined a sorority, double majored and trained with the National Guard. Learn more about this time-management guru with today's Q & A.
Originally appeared in Varsity Gameday
Q&A with Dahm
Why did you decide to join the National Guard?
I have been a member of some sort of team ever since I can remember. During my senior year of high school, my powerlifting coach told me I would be a perfect fit for the military. Once I got to college and realized I missed being part of a team, I figured I would join the Guard to be on a team again while continuing with college. At that point, I did not think I would be on the UW rowing team.
You're also involved in a sorority and have more than one major, correct? How have you been able to manage your time while being involved in so many different things?
I actually had to drop my sorority this year because of other financial obligations, which was tough because they were truly a great group of ladies. I am majoring in legal studies, psychology and getting a certificate in criminal justice, hoping to one day be a member of the FBI.
This year I also committed to Army ROTC, while continuing the National Guard, which means upon graduation I will commission as a U.S. officer in the finest army in the world. If you talk to some of the ROTC cadets they say this can add up to 20 hours onto your week, which is very difficult already having 20 hours a week rowing, going to school as a full time student, and monthly drillings with the National Guard. Last year I was told I had to choose between rowing and the Army. Luckily my coaches showed an incredible amount of support and told me we could find a way for me to do both.
One of the biggest issues doing both ROTC and rowing is that the schedules conflict every day. I had a sit down meeting with my coaches at the beginning of the year with a calendar filled out with my Army endeavors, and another one ready to fill out with my rowing endeavors to present to my cadre (authoritative higher ranking individuals in the military). I had to discuss with both groups what I could and I couldn't miss. I often get done with an army event, and then have to go straight to a rowing event, or vice versa.
If an element in one schedule changes this causes a huge snowball effect to my schedule for at least the next week, and requires me to rework my schedule. This also requires me to do extra workouts on my own, as well as erg tests on my own. I am lucky that one of my teammates has had to miss some of the same tests so we can at least do them together. For example, today she and I did a 2k by ourselves. I had about two minutes to cool down (which is an improvement from my two minute warm-up and no cool down during a 2k last year) and then I had to change into uniform to try and make it to formation on time. To deal with this, I keep everyone updated with my schedule as soon as there are any changes. I also have all of my weekly schoolwork written down on note cards, and a monthly academic calendar so I can see the bigger picture. On this calendar I also have all of my army and rowing endeavors. I am also very good at separating parts of my life. For example if I am at the boathouse, rowing is my only focus, if I am in the classroom I am only focused on school, if I am at ROTC I think about the tasks at hand, and when I am with my friends I don't worry about all of my other activities. I also take aspects of my day one at a time, which can sound strange knowing I have to plan so far ahead.
One of my favorite quotes to reflect on is, "Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." It's finding a medium between planning and focusing on the present, and this is a life skill I am thankful for possessing.
How has the National Guard helped you in the rowing realm, or vice versa?
There is no doubt rowing has gotten me in the best shape of my life. This shows on every PT session or test I have done since joining the army. I have the highest PT score in my company, my unit, and my graduating class at basic training. Rowing has really made me fearless in anything dealing with physical activity, and has given me the ability to beat the boys. The National Guard and ROTC have given me command presence and confidence. When approaching a piece for rowing after having had an extremely hard week both physically and mentally, confidence gives me a huge leg up on everyone.
Do you have a favorite memory from the National Guard, or an experience that you are proud of?
One of my favorite memories from the army would be graduating basic training. It really made me appreciate my parents and friends. They would write me all the time, and if you have been to basic training you know that receiving a letter is one of the best feelings during the training. I also felt extremely proud finishing a very mentally and physically demanding summer, by graduating with honors.
What is your favorite memory from your entire college career?
I am not going to choose a favorite until it is over.
Do you continue with the National Guard after graduation?
Yes, I have already signed to commission with the National Guard after I graduate. I figure I might as well do it for 15 years.
How have your coaches and teammates supported you in your efforts with the National Guard?
I do not think I would have been able to do rowing, ROTC and the National Guard had it not been for my coaches. They were really the ones who told me I could do it, I would just have to find a way how. It lights a fire under me when someone else has that much confidence in me, and I think that is why I have been able to excel at both this year. I would also like to thank my roomies Alexa and Hannah for listening to my random complaints so far this semester.
If you could join any other team, which one would it be and why?
I would join soccer because that was my passion in high school. I play intramurals when I have the time, but nothing beats hearing your name announced under the lights, and making saves with a crowd watching. My coaches also told me I could play at the collegiate level, so I have that what-if feeling.
Players Mentioned
