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Alex
Alex's Bio
Alex Proimos is a University of North Carolina at Wilmington students of Greek dissent. From January 11 to May 10, 2008, he will be studying with International Studies Abroad (ISA) at the University of Seville in Spain.
If you want to know his expectations and fears for his semester, and other tidbits and interests, read his Q&A below:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
The uncertainty. I'm going into this whole process pretty much alone, since I don't know anybody else that is going to Spain next semester, which honestly I prefer. It will force me to go out and make new friends instead of relying on my already existing relationships like a crutch. Really, I'm excited to go out and get lost in the city. That's the only real way to get to know the place where you are going to live: taking wrong turns, talking to locals seeing places that are off the beaten track. I really think that will help me become more involved in the city, and make me a part of it.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
Honestly, I'm not too worried about some of the stuff I've been hearing others talk about. My Spanish is far from perfect, but I figure that's one of the main reasons I'm going. Homesickness? Eh, I mean my mom's whole side of the family still lives in Greece, so they are just a short ride/run/swim away. So, I wouldn't say there's one big thing I'm worried about, but I am half worried about everything... Is that better or worse?
What made you want to study abroad?
I have always wanted to go abroad, but I never actually thought I would do it. I have an older brother who just graduated from the same college I am attending now, and he (along with most everybody else) said that his biggest regret was not going abroad. I've been to Greece a bunch times, twice alone, so I know I can handle it. Also, I am a double major in Spanish and International Business, so this is the kind of experience that has no substitutes. It just seemed dumb to pass up the most perfect opportunity I've ever been presented with.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
Well, I knew that I definitely wanted to go to a city in Spain right form the beginning. I have always wanted to go all throughout Europe, and being in Spain for 4 months would definitely give me that opportunity. Also, I have been taking Spanish classes for as long as I can remember, so I wanted to get some more in, and what better place than Spain to do it?
What are your hobbies and interests?
I've come to learn that I am soooo competitive. I played basketball, tennis, and soccer all through high school, and still play on intramurals and club teams in college. My intramural basketball team won two championships. Ah, and we won the dodgeball championship on campus too, which is where all the real groupies are. But, don't get me wrong, I love to lay around and do nothing too. I've been known to play guitar hero for way longer than is socially acceptable.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
In high school, I was the typical kid who never read. But, a few summers ago I picked up a book my cousin left at the house, so I had something to do on the plane: Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It really was the book that got me into reading. So, since then I have read most of Gaiman's books, including Stardust, which they just made a movie about a few months ago. I've been going back to read all the classic books I got the Sparknote's on while I was in high school too. Lately, I've been reading some of Chuck Palahniuk's stuff, like Fight Club and Rant. Right now I am elbow deep in Survivor and it is really good. I love National Geographic because they have the have the most incredible pictures. Oh yeah, and I can knock out any of those guy magazines at the airport in minutes.
What type of music do you listen to?
I'm always kind of ashamed that I'm not more musically aware. I do hate when people say they will listen to "anything but country"... but I really can't stand country. So, instead of just giving you a huge list of things I like, I will tell you the 5 CD's in my car right now:
- The Killers- Hot Fuzz
- Jay-Z- American Gangster
- Scott Cash- Christmas music
- Freaks and Geeks- Soundtrack
- Beastie Boys- Hello Nasty
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
This is question where I shine, because I feel like I have great taste in TV and Movies. I hate to watch shows that are really trendy, but sometimes people just understand good material. I think Curb Your Enthusiasm and Extras are genius. I love Lost, The Office, and Nip/Tuck (though it can get ridiculous). I've been watching Survivor forever, and really think I would do well if, no, WHEN I am on it. Of course, Everybody Loves Raymond, and if you've never seen Freaks and Geeks, do yourself a favor and check it out.
For movies, Fight Club, V for Vendetta, Eternal Sunshine, and Little Miss Sunshine are all incredible. 40 year-old virgin and Heavyweights are two of the most classic movies of all time, and I've seen Superbad about 10 times this week.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
This is a tricky question, because my initial answer to this question was Larry David, until I watched an episode of Curb where the plot was that some guy had bid on a lunch with Larry David at an auction and won. The pressure of the lunch got to Larry so much that he was miserable the whole time, because he was trying to give the guy his money's worth. So, I don't want to put him through that. My second answer was director Tim Burton, but I actually got a chance to meet him at a lecture he gave in my hometown, so I don't want to waste this answer (no matter how hypothetical) on someone I've gotten to meet.
So, since Larry David and Tim Burton are off limits, I am going to go with Neil Gaiman. His storytelling ability is unmatched as far as I'm concerned, and the expansive descriptions of his characters make me think he has one of the craziest imaginations on this planet. Furthermore, he's an author, so you know he's going to have a way with words that ensures interesting conversation throughout the meal. He also leaves a lot of his stories open to interpretation, so he could really elaborate on my questions. Now that I am thinking about it, forget Larry and Tim, I want to eat with Neil. Wait, what were we talking about again? I'm hungry. Am I winning a dinner?
If you want to read about Alex's experiences in Spain, and perhaps a trip or two to visit his family in Greece, read his blog.
