Michelle Uhlig

Balancing Dental Hygiene and Swimming

Besides her classroom studies and clinical activities, third-year dental hygiene student Michele Uhlig has plenty to keep her busy.

She's also a member of the U-M swim team.

Uhlig, who hails from Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, Penn State territory, was a member of her high school's varsity swim team.

Then, and now, she swims the 200-yard individual medley that consists of the 50-yard butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. "I like to swim the four different strokes because I like the variety in the race and in the training needed to compete in the individual medley," she said.

Arriving on the U-M campus in the fall of 2002, Uhlig enrolled in the dental hygiene program after two years in kinesiology. "I thought I'd enjoy dental hygiene more, and I have," she said.

Training Schedule

An early riser, Uhlig is typically in the pool from 6:00 o'clock in the morning until 7:30 every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. she is in class or clinic at the dental school before returning to the pool for more practice from 2:30 until 5:00.

"If we don't have a weekend swimming meet, I'm usually back in the pool at seven o'clock Saturday morning," she added.

Describing herself as a "middle of the pack finisher," Uhlig said she prepares for competition by stretching and visualizing.

"I imagine everything about what my race is going to be - the mechanics of my strokes, how I will perform, and things like that," she said.

Asked about crowd noise, Uhlig said she is aware of it, but focuses her concentration and efforts on her coaches and competitors. "Occasionally I hear the noise," she added, "but generally that's only for a brief moment as I get to the end of the lane, rolling over, and making a transition from one stroke to another. Sometimes the excitement from the crowd really gets your adrenaline going!"

Lessons Learned

Uhlig said competitive swimming has taught her the importance of being a good time manager and being well organized.

"I know that I can't do everything all at once. So it's important that I pace myself, both in the water and with my studies," she said.

Time management and organization also involves looking ahead. Uhlig said she tries to finish her studies and complete her assignments ahead of time, especially when she knows she has to travel to a swim meet or if other team obligations arise.

"Everyone in dental hygiene has been very helpful trying to schedule my rotations around my practices and meets," she said. "Although my schedule can be hectic at times, I would not want to change my field of study. I enjoy the dental hygiene program so much, and my interest in what we are studying keeps me focused and striving to do my best."