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Judd
September 1 marks Judd Hower's 21st birthday. He will spend it in Germany.
Living in South Hampton, NJ, studying German and political science at the University of Delaware, and studying abroad with Rutgers University at University Konstanz in Germany, this college junior is spending a year on the other side of the world.
We spent some time with him before he left to learn more about him:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
There are probably three things I look forward to most. Meeting new kids is something I very much anticipate. I'll be living in what is called a Europahaus, which is an apartment building that houses exchange students from all over the world. The prospect of meeting kids from so many different places is very exciting. I also look forward to living on my own in Germany. I visited Germany two years ago and fell in love with it. I would like to live and work there once my tenure at the university is over, so living abroad next year is like a dream come true. Finally, I am a huge football "soccer" fan. Unfortunately it is not so popular in the United States, but in Europe it is borderline religious. I plan on attending a couple of matches in Germany and England during my stay.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
I'll most definitely miss my friends and girlfriend...oh yeah and my family, a little bit. I am really close with all my friends and of course with my girlfriend. Being without them while abroad will be rough. On the bright side, my girlfriend will be studying in Paris in the spring, so right on!
What made you want to study abroad?
It was a culmination of a few things. I've loved learning German since I started taking it in high school. Languages, in general, interest me and I would like to be able to speak many fluently. I've always thought there was something special about a person who can communicate through many different languages. What sparked the fire on the whole study abroad endeavor was my trip to Germany though. I had so much fun and I can't wait to go back.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
In all honesty, I would have liked to study in Munich because of it's outstanding university and the city's environment. Sadly, I couldn't find a program located in Munich that fit what I wanted. Konstanz, where I'll be studying, is a beautiful city and the program, which is run by Rutgers University, allows me to spend a year abroad. It is important to me that I spend the entire year in Germany. Doing so will no doubt improve my German, as well as present me with the opportunity to become more familiar with my hosts. I am studying to become a diplomat and I believe it is most important to get to know the German people as best I can.
What are your hobbies and interests?
As I said before, I love soccer. I am a huge Manchester United supporter. I like to play soccer as well and hopefully I'll have the chance to have some pick-up games or possibly join a recreational team while in Germany. I am also a drummer. I've been playing for ten years, and I have been in several bands since I started. Listening to music is another hobby. I had the ideal job last year while in school. I worked at an indie record shop. It was amazing because it was laid back, fun, and I got to listen to music all day. I just hope I can get my boss to rehire me when I get back.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
I like all types of books, but as of late I've been reading many books by Anthony Burgess, (Clockwork Orange, One Hand Clapping, The Doctor is Sick) and Irvine Welch, (Trainspotting, Filth, and one book aptly named Porno, but it is not as perverted as it sounds.) I also enjoyed the Gunslinger series by Steven King, but the ending was heinous. To end it like he did after seven books was like a kick to the face. Magazine wise, pretty much just Four Four Two and United Magazine. They are, the both of them, having to do with soccer.
What type of music do you listen to, and what are your favorite TV shows and movies?
My musical taste is pretty eclectic. I like everything from Beethoven to Bone Thugs, but I mostly listen to Indie Rock bands like The Shins, Ladytron, I Can Make a Mess..., Camera Obscura, stuff like that. I also have a soft spot in my heart for German Rap, call me crazy. And Daft Punk is probably one of my favorite bands of all time, so my musical tastes are far reaching. TV, to be honest, I don't watch to much, but Daria was good when it was on MTV back in the day. I am in love with movies, comedies mostly. Snatch, Transpotting, Wedding Crashers, Lock Stock, are all very good movies indeed.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
I'd like to say someone profound like Abe Lincoln or Ghandi, but after five minutes I'm afraid my attention deficit would get the best of me and make playing with my food the highlight of the meal instead of talking with my dinner mate. It would be interesting to have dinner with the guys from Daft Punk because I'm sure they would also play with their utensils and we'd end up making a catchy little tune playing solely on our forks and wine glasses. It really depends on what mood I'm in, and being that it is 12:30 at night and I am tired, just a quiet dinner with my girlfriend would do just fine. I don't know though, ask me again in the morning.
He is more awake now, so have a conversation with him at his Read Judd's Blog.
