Feb. 18, 2008
1. Use five words to describe yourself.
Athletic, creative, energetic, fantasmagorical (I saw that adjective on the back of a movie and always wanted to use it), and goal-oriented
2. What is your favorite class or professor to date at Notre Dame, and why?
I don’t have an exact favorite, but I’d say a lot of the guys in the art department. They are all really awesome.
3. Do you read horoscopes? If you do, do you believe in them? If not, why not?
I read them every once in a while. I live off-campus, so I don’t usually go to the dining halls, but when I do I’ll pick up a newspaper and read them. I wouldn’t say I necessarily believe in them, because sometimes they are completely irrelevant, but they’re fun when they match up with what’s happening in your life.
4. What is your major? Why did you choose this major?
I’m a double major in art and Japanese. I chose art because it’s what I’m passionate about. I chose Japanese because my grandmother doesn’t speak English very well, so I thought I’d learn the language and take the three extra culture classes that would allow me to get the major.
5. If you could have a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Probably the Buddha, because I like his philosophy.
6. What is the first thing you think about when you wake up?
What’s that noise? Ahh!
7. Do you have any siblings?
I have an older sister who is three years older than me.
8. What is your favorite movie?
The Royal Tenenbaums
9. Who was your role model as a child? Why? Has your role model changed now that you are older?
My role model would be my fencing coach from home, because she basically helped me grow up and I spent a lot of time with her. She went from having a really rough childhood to someone who is really amazing, helpful and listens to anybody. She will help you out with anything. Now that I’m older and I don’t see her as much, Gia [Kvaratskhelia, assistant coach of the women’s fencing team] is the same person in that aspect. He has all these amazing attributes; working hard, getting somewhere in his life.
10. Where is the most interesting place you have traveled?
I went to Japan last summer for a summer program in Hokkaido and I went to a tiny island off the coast, and it was really gorgeous.
11. If you could choose any year of your life to live over again, what year would it be?
If I could go back and be one year old and discover how I thought then, that would be really interesting.
12. What annoys you most?
Sticky hands! I can’t stand when my hands are sticky; I would rather have hiccups for the rest of my life than have sticky hands.
13. What are your plans for after graduation?
I’m doing a summer instructor’s course with Outward Bound. I was thinking of trying to become an Outward Bound instructor or some other outdoor educator to give back to the community, spend some time outside, and maybe take a little break from school. But after that, I might go to grad school for art.
14. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would you eat?
Japanese curry stew, which tastes amazing.
15. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
Calvin and Hobbes, because they make me laugh and are also insightful and sweet.
16. What do you like most about being at Notre Dame?
Being on the fencing team. All my best friends are on the team with me and I love my coach.
17. Describe your perfect day–who would you spend it with, what would you do, where would you be?
I would spend my perfect day with my friends somewhere in nature, preferably the gorge in Napels, NY.
18. Who was the most famous person you have ever met?
Yo Yo Ma
19. Where is your favorite place on campus?
There is a cool climbing tree on God Quad.
20. How has being a student and athlete at Notre Dame influenced your life?
As far as being an athlete and a student, that hasn’t really changed much. I have always had to balance that. But it is a lot easier to get equipment now. Notre Dame takes really good care of their athletes, so if we need anything at all, they are always there to help us or get it for us.