Name: Jack McDermott
Major: Earth and Ocean Science
Year: 2017
Hometown: Chicago, IL
1. If you could go on a week-long vacation anywhere, where would it be and what would you do?
I would go back to the city in India where my DukeEngage program was. I miss my host family and a lot of the people I got to meet.
2. On a scale of 1 to kicking a Tar Heel in the face, how pumped are you about the Duke win over UNC?
Kicking + 1.
3. How do you feel about recent political events?
Only 3 years and 11 months until the next presidential election : )
4. What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?
The TV show, The Good Wife.
5. What place on food points couldn’t you survive without?
Pitchforks. Sometimes I just need a $30 apple, bacon, avocado grilled cheese to pick myself up after a long day, plus it has the best breakfast food on campus.
6. What’s the most rewarding part of being an RA?
I have made friends with other RA’s and with residents. Being an RA has helped me to meet and interact with people who travel in totally different circles at Duke.
7. What’s your favorite Duke club/organization, and what do you do in it?
I am a co-president of the environmental alliance, and I think the work we do is really important. We do a lot of informational campaigns, in order to get Duke students excited about sustainable practices or fired up about issues.
8. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I am definitely introverted, which, in my opinion, is a tough thing to be at Duke. I take a lot of time to myself, though I often feel pressure to spend that time with others or doing more “productive things.” Learning how to take time to properly recharge has been one of the most important things I have learned in college.
9. What’s your favorite house/dorm event?
It’s awesome to put on Sundae Sunday every month with the other RA’s. Hundreds of people show up for the community, it’s really amazing to be a part of something that big.
10. What’s been your favorite experience since coming to Duke?
The Duke-UNC game two years ago. I came to Duke so excited to go to games, met some of my best friends while in the tent, and the game itself was the best!