| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | I returned home from school one afternoon to find my parents' cars in the driveway. Upon seeing my parents quietly waiting for me in the kitchen, I knew immediately that my dog- a pet I had loved as any member of my family- had been put to sleep. Understandably, I was inconsolable, though I had realized for months how old and weak my dog had become; my parents, in fact, had discussed euthanasia with me on previous occasions. But what is so memorable about that day- aside from the obvious sadness- was the gratitude I felt for my parents. Realizing that I never would have made it through the day knowing my dog was to be put to sleep- and that I could not possibly handle being present for the event itself- they arranged things so that I would not have to know until it was done. They clearly had spoken to my teachers (who ensured that I had very good day at school, having arranged for me to receive a personal letter from one of the star players on the basketball team) and they carried out the euthanasia procedure in our home- not only so my dog would be comfortable, but so that they would be there to comfort me when I got home. Distraught as I was, I realized the tremendous effort my parents had exerted in making that day go as easily for me as possible. It was the first time I really understood my parents to be guardians- people who always looked out for my well-being. That realization, of course, provided a great deal of comfort. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | Since reaching adulthood, I've found myself closely identifying with my paternal grandfather. In fact, other members of my family often point out our similar mannerisms and personality traits. My grandfather has a wonderfully dry, ironic sense of humor, and loves to engage people in all types of political, religious, and philosophical discussions. Somewhat remarkably, he always manages to carry on these conversations- conversations which, when involving people less easygoing, are apt to become heated- in a civil, even humorous way. I also share his tendency to solitude and introspection; though very social, he enjoys time to himself. He never misses a family function or dinner (and is usually the most entertaining guest), yet he is typically the last to arrive and first to leave. It is this unique combination of intro- and extraversion, as well as an appreciation for human eccentricity, that I often see in myself. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | Intelligence and humor are the traits I most admire in other people. Honesty, kindness, integrity and compassion are, of course, quite important as well, but I have always held special appreciation for individuals who are able to teach me something I had not previously known, impart a new idea or perspective, or simply make me laugh. Such people are usually the ones with whom the best converstaions are carried on, with whom the most interesting stories are shared, and these intereactions, I think, are often the best way to dilute the tedium that can sometimes overshadow one's day-to-day life. A popular criterion for determining which politcian to vote for in a given election, is to ask oneself, "Who would you rather have a beer with?" In general, I think, most people would want to have a beer with someone who can keep them thinking and laughing- at least, such is the case for me. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | A few years ago, I participated in a golf tournament. My partner, whom I had not previously met, elected to play the entire 18 holes completely naked, as a tournament rule stipulated that doing so would allow the player to take three strokes off his final score. Somehow, perhaps not too surprisingly, he also managed to conduct our golf cart halfway into a water hazard somewhere on the back nine, an incident all observerscontinued to laugh about for hours afterwards. (The country club manager did not find it funny, at least not in the ha-ha sense). On top of all this, my partner ended up with a full-body sunburn (as well as the second-worst overall score and, somehow, a bent 5 iron). I really couldn't have asked to be paired with a more entertaining person. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | Everywhere. If time and money were not a concern, I would very likely never stop traveling, so long as my health held up. I have spent a great deal of time in Europe, so that would probably be the last place I would visit (though I do hope to get back, and certainly will at the first opportunity). I would probably begin my travels in Southeast Asia- Thailand, Cambodia, Southern China, etc.- a region that has always fascinated me. I love the rain forest and the ocean and those countries are reputed to feature some of the most beautiful tropical hikes, beaches, and diving sites in the world. I would also love to visit Japan. I'm told it's like a non-Western America, which is a fascinating concept to me. I'm also quite interested in Central America (for the same reasons as Southeast Asia) and I'd love to get down to South America as well, particulalry the Andean regions on Peru and Chile. Central Africa, Australia and New Zealand would be fantastic, as would Eastern Europe, especially Russia and the former Soviet Socialist Republics. When I'd seen it all, I would probably try to get to the moon or something. If only time and money weren't an issue. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | If and when I ever have children, I hope I instill in them a desire to enjoy life and learn as much about the world as possible. I'd hope to pass on a desire to constantly develop, to improve themselves through experience, education, and social interaction. In the grand scheme of things, life is so short; there's a certain tragedy in the fact that we can only see and experience so much. But if one makes an effort to travel, work at a number of jobs, meet and interact with as many other people as possible, and continually seek out new ideas and experiences, that, I think, is the key to a fulfilling life. And fulfillment and happiness are all I could ever wish for my children (or anybody else). |
