Going to classes, finishing homework and studying for exams is a lot for some students. With so much going on in one’s academic life, it makes you wonder how people have time for anything else. One student at the University of Kansas seems to have perfected balancing school and other activities – and he still manages to keep his sanity.
Matthew George, a junior studying mechanical engineering, ran for his high school cross-country team.
“For a while I wanted to be a doctor, but after running cross-country in high school I learned about biomechanics,” said Matthew. “I want to help design prosthetics for paraplegic athletes. My dream job would be designing prosthetics for Nike, or something of that extent, but mechanical engineering here is just the beginning of that dream.”
Matthew has also been a part of KU’s Varsity Rowing team for three years now, and though practice can be rigorous and a large time commitment, Matthew gets through it with determination and the help of his teammates.
“Getting sleep and staying motivated in class can be somewhat of a real challenge, but my team helps to keep me on track,” Matthew said. “They have become a good system of support over the year and some of my best friends. It’s all about ‘attitude and effort’ as my coach always says!”
Practice occurs 6 days out of the week, with half of them starting at 6 a.m., and on top of those early mornings, there are also 4 p.m. practices. Most varsity members and novice members add on extra workouts throughout the week, to stay in shape for upcoming races. All of the hard work seems to be paying off, as Matthew’s boat, the Men’s Varsity Four, took first place in two well known regattas in the United States.
“We took first at the Head of the Oklahoma and received an award ceremony from Olympic rowers, which was absolutely fantastic,” Matthew said. “We also took first, in the same boat, at the Head of the Hooch, the second largest regatta in the U.S.”
Matthew also serves as the treasurer on the executive board for Kansas Crew, deciding things from race schedules to where they will be staying when the team is traveling. He is also the social chair for Theta Chi fraternity, but being involved with Theta Chi serves as a sort of break from his busy schedule.
“I like to talk to people so it’s a good opportunity to socialize and get involved with the KU Greek community,” Matthew said. “It’s healthy to cut loose once in a while.”
Matthew hopes to graduate with his current major and win the American Collegiate Rowing Associations (ACRAs), the national championship for collegiate rowing. After graduation, he would like to travel, and go to a graduate school that has a prestigious rowing club and receive his masters in biomechanics, doing research for prosthetics.
“I want to continue to row and train for the U.S. Under 23 Rowing Team and hopefully some day the Olympics. It’s going to take hard work and dedication, but I like a challenge,” Matthew said.