Between games, practice and extra training, the life of a Division I varsity athlete can sometimes be consumed by the sport. Many Dartmouth athletes, however, are also involved in other activities, ranging from charitable organizations to campus jobs.
Despite facing time commitments such as away games and grueling practice hours, Big Green athletes who extend themselves have learned to manage their time and prioritize.
"[The time commitment] is pretty significant during season we have practice every day and games on weekends," baseball pitcher Jake Pruner '11 said. "The biggest thing is making sure that you plan out your day right."
In addition to his commitment to the baseball team, Pruner serves as social chair of his fraternity, Gamma Delta Chi, and director of Big Green Readers, a mentoring program designed to assist local elementary school students.
Each week, 30 student athletes travel to Mt. Lebanon Elementary School in West Lebanon, N.H., and tutor children on academic skills such as reading, according to Pruner. As director of the program, Pruner must select participants, coordinate schedules and ensure that the program runs smoothly. Pruner also serves as a student mentor himself.
Pruner remains enthusiastic about his responsibilities, regardless of the time it detracts from his athletic schedule.
"There's no substitute for just doing what you have to complaining is not going to make any difference," he said. "At the end of the day, you just have to put your head down and just do it."
Big Green men's varsity rower Michael Odokara-Okigbo '12 said that since he enjoys the time he spends on his activities, he does not complain about his busy schedule. Odokara-Okigbo is a member of the Dartmouth Aires, a member and manager of the Dartmouth gospel choir, a Dickey Center for International Understanding intern and the executive director of the Mugadi (I will live) Foundation, which promotes education in the global south.
Joking that he "doesn't sleep," Odokara-Okigbo said that he has learned to prioritize his activities and manage his time.
"I try to equalize the amount of hours I spend on extracurricular activities with the amount of hours I spend on academics," he said. "Also I try to get as much sleep as possible. It's hard, but sometimes I have to physically tell myself to go to bed."
Odokaro-Okigba said he is constantly encouraged and motivated by his fellow students, many of whom actively participate in other activities at the College.
"[Student athletes] are no different than any other person on campus," he said. "Everyone is incredibly involved, and it inspires me to be so passionate about what I do."
Zawadi Rowe '12 a member of the women's track and field team said that she relies on her iCal computer calendar to keep herself organized. Rowe is a member of Upper Valley Money Smart, serves as a mentor for Girls on the Run a program that educates young girls on health and empowerment issues and works as a Dartmouth Dining Services employee.
Rowe added that she has learned to better manage her time since her freshman and sophomore years, and how to be able to decline to participate in less important events.
All of the athletes interviewed by The Dartmouth said that prioritizing time and learning not to procrastinate has been important to their success.
"Freshman and sophomore year I was more likely to say yes' to people if they wanted to hang out, go somewhere or wanted me to do them a favor, and I just wouldn't get sleep," Rowe said. "But now, it's easier to say I need to do this [activity] and do what I need to do."
Each athlete also expressed how satisfied they are with their decision to apply themselves in different activities. Pruner said that being involved in different activities and aspects of campus "has been incredible."
