| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | During a summer when I was around ten years old, I really missed sledding down hills. I decided that I could recreate the sledding experience using a wagon. So, I chose my ideal location, the forest behind my house. I climbed into the wagon and began to go down the hill. I didn’t realize that a little red wagon would go significantly faster than a sled. And, I never considered how I would stop the wagon once I got to the bottom. Fortunately for me, at the bottom of this hill was a lake. I didn’t need to consider how to stop as I careened down the hill into this lake. Needless to say, my parents were less than amused when I returned, soaked to the bone. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I identify closest with my sister. Both she and I read extensively, but on very different topics. Because of this, we always have interesting conversations about what we just finished reading and learning. Along with this, she challenges me most to branch out into topics I wouldn’t have considered initially. Additionally, both my sister and I enjoy traveling. Whether we’re sending each other images of places we want to go or talking about plans when we travel next, we really connect on a deep level about our interests and ambitions. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire the willingness to challenge themselves. People who challenge themselves often experience the most growth, personally and professionally. It is that willingness to live outside of your comfort zone that pushes you to succeed. I also really admire people who are willing to dedicate themselves to benefit others, people who are willing to forgo personal pleasures or luxuries to give to others. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | During the month of May a few years ago, I was traveling in Lake Baikal in Russia. At this time of the year the lake is still pretty frozen, but there are sections where the ice is thinner. My friend and I were looking at a few beached (iced?) ships a bit off of the shore. I kept getting closer and closer to get a better look. Suddenly, the ice beneath me broke, and I fell in. Almost immediately I pulled myself out without issue. My friend snapped a video, like she knew what was going to happen! All of the other travelers (and locals) in that city probably saw that video and everyone I met for the next few days recognized me as the guy who fell through the ice. I found it absolutely hilarious! |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would never stop traveling, honestly. I would travel around the entire world, seeing as much as I can. I believe every country and people has so much knowledge to share, whether through culture and traditions, language, or from the perspectives of the people themselves. I would spend months in each country, beginning with Western European countries like France, Italy or Germany. I would try to learn as much of the language as I can, visit major and minor attractions, and meet locals. My time in the Czech Republic and Georgia has taught me that the Eastern European countries have equally extensive and interesting histories, so I would go to countries like Armenia, Estonia, or Poland. I would slowly work my way through these countries, moving into different continents and regions. It is too difficult to pick a single location that I would travel to! |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I would pass on the drive to transcend their personal fears and limitations to achieve as much as they can. Whether the child would want to be a doctor, dancer, or scientist, they should strive to be the best that they can be. Whatever their goals or desires are, through hard work and determination it is possible to achieve them. |
