My name is Konstantin Menge, I come from Thuringia, Germany. I was lucky to get accepted into
my course at Dundee after all other scottish universities had rejected me. I study
electronic engineering in my fourth and final year now. I was a member of the video game
society DUVGS in my first year and joined DUBC in my second year and have been a
proud member ever since.
Since my second year at DUBC I have been an equipment officer, and now also a member
of the safety and equipment sub committee. I had no previous rowing experience and
learned everything I know at Dundee, be that rowing technique or equipment work.
My proudest achievement has been not capsizing a boat, although some might say there was
an attempt when I jumped out of one. I wanted to join DUBC after a weekend on the water
with a friend of mine back in Germany, wanting to learn how to properly row and also
improve my general fitness. I quickly realized that it was worth staying for the people
though, after receiving a very warm welcome and being met with nothing but positivity.
DUBC is great because of its members, it has something on offer for all levels of athletes
and whilst our equipment may not be the best, especially compared to other rowing clubs,
the general mindset and can-do approach by everybody certainly make up for it. Rowing
as a sport is great too, training all parts of the body, as well as being a great blend of
strength and cardio training.
Outside of rowing I enjoy playing video games with my mates, and more recently going for
rides on my motorcycle. During term time however there is little time for either, because
if I‘m not out with the club I‘m catching up on coursework, projects and reports, but that
is something that puts a smile on my face since it proves how much the club has to offer.
Outside of term time I‘m usually in Germany where I work with my father and make use of
my electronic engineering abilities, whilst gaining valuable real world experience, which is
a nice change in pace to the usual lab experiments. I have not found any rowing clubs near
me back in Germany but the erg is always there for me. When I‘m not away for work I go
on cruises with my friends and enjoy some time off.
DUBC is more of a community than just a sports club. In addition to consistent socials,
there is always chatter and socializing going before and after training sessions. My closest
friends at university I have met through the club and it has greatly helped me develop, not
only as a rower, but as a person in general. Showing up to club activity, be it training, boat
work, or socials is always a highlight to me where I feel homely, but am also able to push
hard and improve further. I realize this article might read itself like a sponsored
advertisement, but I truly have nothing bad to say about the club, joining it has been the
best choice I made and my only regret is not joining sooner.
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