The funniest part about boarding school is that Amherst is exactly like one, except with co-ed dorms and more liquor.
As a senior, you have probably visited many restaurants in the Amherst area. What is your favorite restaurant in town, and what do you usually get there?
Hands down, H.O.T. (House of Teriyaki). I get the teriyaki tofu and the dragon roll, which has an entire eel on top. After I eat it, I sometimes worry that the eel will reassemble itself in my stomach and swim around. But, I usually quell that fear with a nice cold beer. (The restaurant is BYOB, and I highly recommend it for that very reason.)
You started the Amherst College Figure Skating Team. Who is your favorite competitive figure skater, and why? Which skating event is your favorite to watch?
Michelle Kwan is unparalleled. When she skates, I can't take my eyes off her; she epitomizes beauty and strength. I also like Sasha Cohen. During competition, her eyes get this intensely vacant, glassy quality. She sort of resembles Jack Nicholson in "The Shining," which is a trait I really admire in a skater.
You work for Social Council. What events are you excited about for this semester, and are there any events planned for the near future?
The First Annual Senior Ball this Wednesday, April 11. It will undoubtedly be the best night of our Amherst career.
Are there any courses you wish you could have taken before graduation?
Mitzi Goheen teaches an African Drumming Class that performed during Anthropology 26's rendition of the play "Death and the King's Horseman" (in which I had a starring role). When those students began drumming traditional West African hymns, I was so jealous that I could not join them on their incredible intellectual journey exploring the cultural and historical impact of tribal music. Idris McClain '07, in particular, was outstanding, as was Mike Salerno '07, who nearly upstaged him with his raw talent and impeccable technique.
When you were a child, what was your favorite television show?
I grew up on a farm, so I didn't watch TV until about last year (true story).
If you could listen to the music of only one band/group/artist for the rest of your life, who would you choose and why?
I am in love with this small D.C.-based band called Kenin. The lead singer is emotional without being whiny, which is rare and enticing. It's a toss up between them and The Postal Service. New Kids on the Block are a close, close second.
Do you have any exciting plans for this summer?
I think unemployment is pretty exciting, as is living in a box on the street and begging people for food and money.
You spent a semester abroad. Where did you go, and would you recommend the experience?
I studied in Madrid, which was incredible. If I could tell underclassmen one thing, it would be to go abroad. Leaving Amherst for one semester will transform you in innumerable ways.
What is your favorite movie genre and what is your favorite example from that genre?
I am a large fan of extremely bad romantic movies, but not romantic comedies. Some real classics are "Sweet November," "A Walk to Remember" and "The Lizzie Maguire Movie." And anything starring Matt Damon and my brother, T. Cook.
What were your favorite non-major classes at Amherst?
Acting Technique with Peter Lobdell. The class is filled with extraordinarily talented people who inspire me on a regular basis. And, Music of India for obvious reasons.
What is your favorite TV show, and who is your favorite character?
[I love] "Friends," and definitely Phoebe. I swear that I've seen every episode about three or four times, and I still laugh hysterically at everything that comes out of her mouth. Oh, and "The Girls Next Door," which is like watching lions mate on Animal Planet; I feel guilty staring, but it's so damn fascinating. Kendra is by far my favorite character. I really relate to her. I love the episode where she almost loses her custom-made platinum "grill" en route to her 21st birthday, because the same exact thing happened to me.
Who would play you in the made-for-TV movie about your life?
Probably Halle Berry. One time, when I was eight years old, a man came up to me when I was in the kiddie pool and asked if I was Halle Berry's daughter. Nicest and creepiest thing anyone has ever said to me. People say I look like Kerry Washington, but I don't see the resemblance.
Which are you most likely to wear: polka dots, plaid or argyle?
A polka dot dress, a plaid skirt and an argyle sweater, but never, ever in combination.