Nick J.
Expected Graduation: n/a
Occupation: Cirrus Aircraft
What’s your major and your expected graduation?
I actually do not go to college. Instead, I work at Cirrus Aircraft building jets and I am 21 years old if that helps to reference.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Some of my favorite hobbies would be playing music (guitar specifically), physical activity like sports or lifting, and skateboarding. Some of my interests would be philosophy, theology, psychology, history, and some degree of understanding the science of the human body. I value a good conversation, hanging out with friends, and the little things in life. Now this does not mean I am a master at any of these things, but that I merely enjoy partaking in them.
What is your favorite part about being a part of the BulldogCatholic community?
My favorite part of being a part of the BulldogCatholic community is being surrounded by the people in the community. At my home parish, there is not much Catholic youth, especially around my age. It is very encouraging to see many around my age and all the people involved with BulldogCatholic.
Why did you choose UMD for college?
I did not choose UMD for college, but for faith. I started going to the Newman center and fell in love with the community.
Why should someone come to a Bulldog Catholic event?
Someone should come to a BulldogCatholic event for exactly the same reason why I came and more! Everyone at BulldogCatholic from Fr. Mike Schmitz, to the missionaries, and the students are very welcoming, kind, outgoing, and supportive. They really make you feel at home.
What would you tell a high school senior looking for the right college?
I would tell a high school senior to go to whatever college fits your needs and price range best, whether it is UMD, CSS, or LSC. I didn’t end up going to college and I still have been finding great opportunities myself, but the biggest thing I would say is that, if you are in the Duluth area or near it: “GO TO THE NEWMAN CENTER!”
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned while in college?
I learned that this time of our lives is, what I would say, the best time for people to discover themselves. In this time of our lives, we should test our limits and to constantly improve them mentally, physically, and spiritually. “It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable” Socrates.
Who is your favorite Saint and quote from them?
One of my favorite Saints would probably be St. Augustine of Hippo. He was a great theologian and philosopher, and said to be one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period. The story of his life from my understanding is in a short theme of “brokenness to greatness.”
One of my favorite quotes from St. Augustine is, “Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow.” This quote is a great reminder that you should prepare for when your time comes, but don’t rush the process with bad health. Also, that you should be in good health so that God can work through you in your constant “best,” no matter how old you may become.
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen?
There are many great Wi-Fi names, but the best name I have known is from the YMCA. They simply named it, “Y-Fi.”
What’s the most useless talent you have?
I don’t know if it is entirely useless, but it is definitely fun! I like to write poetry every blue moon and then show it to everyone as if I do this all the time. I like to think of my style of poetry as if King David and Shakespeare was one person and they named him, Nick. I know, this is quite a statement, and I doubt it is entirely true in the eyes of others. But to say that my poetry is bad, should be an offense punishable by some means of affliction.
If you could have one song play every time you entered a room what would it be, and why?
If I entered a room I could only imagine “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons to be the song played. To give more context on why, I have an identical twin brother; and while my middle name is James, his middle name is John. I don’t know if this was entirely predetermined, but since realizing this, we would call our dad, “Thunder.”
“James and John, Sons of Thunder,” was always the theme of the pregame hype speech that our father would give, and then followed with the song “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons.