| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | When I was about six or seven, my dad and I went to the pool. I didn't know how to swim yet so I just played in the shallow end and I was terrified of the deep end because I thought I would drown. As we were leaving for the day my father picked me up and threw me in the deep end. I panicked and thrashed about in the water for a while, until I realized I wasn't drowning. I kept kicking and paddling until I reached the side of the pool, my dad guiding me to safety. Though it was a scary experience, I'm glad my dad threw me in. I was able to face my fear and learn how to swim at the same time. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I identify most with my youngest brother. I am the oldest of three. My youngest brother and I are years apart, but he reminds me a lot of myself. He is intelligent, kind, funny, and athletic. We both love to read and play chess. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | Honor, courage, and commitment are the three traits I value most. Honor is what motivates one to achieve great things. Courage allows them to take the necessary steps toward that achievement. Commitment allows them to persevere and never give up. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | A music major was going to play his piano recital in the university concert hall. He arrived on stage in his tux, approaching the Steinway concert grand not realizing that the staff had waxed the wood bench. When he quickly mounted the bench to begin, his slick pants against the waxed bench caused him to slide right off and land on his bottom on the stage floor. The audience thought it was "part of the act," but it proved to be a hilarious unintentional accident instead. He told the audience, "I'm a pianist who knows how to compose himself" - and off we went, playing a brilliant program as if it had never happened! |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | There are many places I would love to see. If I have to choose only one to discuss, it would be Italy. I love the food and culture, the history, and though I've only seen pictures, Italy is absolutely beautiful. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I would pass on to my children what my parents passed to me: knowledge of justice. Justice is an important part of a moral character and has a significant role in our interactions with the world. I would want my children to live in such a way that they recognize correct decisions in the face of difficult situations. |
