| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | Camping with my family and our friends each summer was one of my favorite things to do growing up. What started out as a tenting experience - which I might add is the true, raw version of camping - evolved into many summers of fun playing beach volleyball, sitting by the campfire enjoying a good story, or heading out on the boat. It was truly a time to commune with nature and those I loved most. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | My father and I get along well. He has always been a paragon of what is good and noble, and someone I’ve looked up to growing up. He always made sure to bring me fishing or hunting and invested time in my wellbeing. Some of the best times I had growing up were either outdoors with him or learning how to play guitar. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire honesty, integrity, and a wittiness that makes it possible to enjoy life without taking oneself too seriously. I believe the first two are necessary just as entrance to the game - to be a good citizen, to understand the importance of keeping your word and doing things ethically. The last one on joviality and wittiness is one of the most important things in life. You must be able to sit back and just savor the moment, enjoy those around you, and have a bit of fun every day. Otherwise, what’s all this for? |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | The funniest thing is probably boating in the summer a few years ago with a friend. We had these giant tubes that were being pulled behind the boat and we were getting whipped around, going across waves as we tried to hang on. The funny part is that my buddy and I were basically battling and trying to kick each other off. One time my buddy really tried to give me a big shove but biffed it and ended up falling off the side himself. Hilarious! |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I’d travel to Europe because I am a huge fan of the architecture. I took an architecture class back in undergrad and have been amazed that the design principles created so long ago have timeless style and importance even today. Most U.S. government buildings, monuments, high-end luxury homes, etc. are modelled after what was developed in ancient Greece and Rome and are very desirable to this day. I want to relive where that all began and soak it in. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I want them to learn the value of hard work and to understand that there is personal development that comes from putting ourselves through rigorous work. It will allow them to experience the fulfillment and growth that come as a result. In addition, living an epistemically responsible life, being a good global citizen, and remaining conscientious of those in our community creates lasting value in our lives. Finally, I want them to have the simple ability to enjoy moments as they occur, without getting caught up in what tomorrow will bring. |
