What is your most memorable childhood experience? | My most memorable childhood experience is that of catching my first salmon with my grandfather. I was only ten at the time, and the river seemed massive, rushing and gushing, as cold as the glaciers and snow melt it came from. When the pole jolted I knew there was a fish on the line. The next minute or two went by in a blur, the fish zigzagging through the water, my grandpa coaching me on when to let line out and when to "palm" the reel. Eventually I dragged the struggling salmon to shore and my grandpa showed me how to clean it and dispose of its carcass appropriately (to ward off bear activity). It was that day that my love for the environment began to blossom, and has lead to my goal of pursuing a career in environmental law. |
What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I most identify with my grandfather. His tireless work ethic, simple pleasures, and unending love have always served as an example for me, and as I have grown and matured in his company my appreciation for him has as well. His devotion to family and living productively is something I aspire to replicate in my own life. |
What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire honesty and willingness to work hard above most other traits. I find it difficult to tolerate glad-handers and yes-men. I prefer a straight answer and concrete results. |
What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | The funniest thing that ever happened to me (or at least the most embarrassing) was that once, while playing football with my step-sister and a few of her friends, I was tackled and my sweatpants came off, leaving me tripping over them in only whitey-tighteys (I was about eight at the time) and falling into the dust. |
If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would travel to France and tour the country extensively (as well as surrounding Europe). French writers have always mesmerized me (Camus and Sartre) and I find the culture appealing as well. Traveling by train/bus and living as cheaply as possible whilst enjoying the culture, architecture, and history of the continent to the fullest extent possible is my dream travel experience. |
When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I would like to pass on to them my appreciation for every moment of life and my love of nature. I want them to view the mountains and be mesmerized, to see the joy in living simply, and to understand the value of hard work. |