Personals: Questions for Harold Aarons '10
By Audrey Kim '09, Staff Writer
You are a Theater and Dance major. What led you to choose this major, and what is your favorite part about the department? Will you be creating a thesis project? If so, what are your ideas so far?

I came from a technical high school — learning about math, science, computers and such. I secretly have always loved dancing and performing. After taking a dance class here and performing with DASAC, I knew that I had to take my dancing to another level within the major’s courses! I will definitely be doing a thesis in movement (“dance,” if you will). I have the following images in mind: Alice in Wonderland, cobwebs, fog. Stay tuned, folks. P.S. I’m also a psychology major!

What made you decide to come to Amherst?

Honestly, it was primarily the financial aid package. I really, really wanted to go to Oberlin College after visiting because I liked the vibe I felt there. Nonetheless, I have come to love this school in spite of its Waste Awareness days and crazy shenanigans.

What is your favorite food at Val?

SOUPS! Val usually never goes wrong when it comes to soup. My top three (in descending order): Cheesy Potato, Indonesian Vegetable and Tortellini. I also like the New England clam chowder, but it’s my favorite soup evar and, thus, doesn’t count. Fun fact: We could lower waste in Val if the meal quality was pushed up a notch, holla?

If I were to take a glance at your iPod right now, what would be the song on any of your playlists that would embarrass you the most?

My iPod completely died last week. I’m not really sure that any of the songs would have embarrassed me. Most people know I’m a colorful person ... but I think I’d have to say “Stars Are Blind” by Paris Hilton. It’s Paris Hilton, I know, but the beat is actually calming and chill, like something you’d hear on a radio at the beach while you played volleyball in swim trunks. Only in that scenario would the song be appropriate. I am ashamed.

Where is your favorite place to study on campus?

Definitely not the library. It’s eerily quiet, and Amherst students don’t work well with awkward silence. When I study (ha!), I like to be in that little room right when you first enter Val or in my room. Both places are comfortable enough to concentrate yet not too comfortable.

What advice would you give to Amherst freshmen?

Take classes that you want. Do not get caught up thinking that you need to take certain classes to be a good person, get a good job, etc. I regret not doing that, and I could have been farther along in my majors by now. You can always do something else in grad school! Also, try to take at least one Fine Arts class and one Theater and Dance class. Best decisions you could make!

If you were a T-Rex, what would you wear?

A T-Shirt! For the win?

What is your favorite type of dance? (Examples: Electric Slide, Mambo, Twist, ballet, etc…)

My favorite dance is the “Aunt Jackie,” a dance that originated in Brooklyn because you basically just have to go wild with a fist pump. YouTube it and thank me later.

If you had to choose between the ability to fly and the ability to be invisible at will, which one would you choose? Why?

Definitely invisibility. I like to stalk people, and I am not ashamed of being a voyeur.

Where are you from? What do you miss most about home?

The beautiful Brooklyn, New York. I miss looking over my shoulder at night to watch for muggers and/or rambunctious hoodlums. I also miss my friends, family, my cat and 25 cent chips. I need a care package!!!!

Choose one of the following: Polka dot, plaid, argyle.

One of the following. (Win!)

Define the following term: “Sketchy.”

Harold Aarons.

What do you look for when you go out to Amherst parties?

Hotties with bodies. I’m completely over the amputee scene.

What slang term or word annoys you the most?

The word “obvi.” I really can’t talk about it. It is an abomination to language, and it has ended many of my friendships.

What is your favorite type of shoe?

I love shoes that are visually pleasing. If the shoe only almost fits, I usually still get it if it looks fly enough.

What is something that many people don’t know about you?

Many people don’t know that I teach a free hip-hop class here on campus! It’s usually in Webster every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. E-mail me for more info!

Issue 16, Submitted 2009-02-17 22:39:51