Name: Emily Oleksyk
Age: 24
Major: Sociology
Where are you from?
Portland.
Why did you choose USM?
It was cheap and in town.
You wanted to stay in Portland?
No, actually, I moved back here and I was working for some people and I figured I might as well start taking classes.
What kind of work were you doing?
Human/social services and waitressing.
Social services as in…?
Being a direct support provider for people with disabilities.
How did you get into that?
I don’t really remember. I guess I was just interested. It’s a good job.
What do you like about it?
Everybody has their strengths and weaknesses and it’s cool when you hang out with someone you wouldn’t normally interact with and see their strengths and weaknesses. It gives you an appreciation for diversity.
What do you do to relax?
Hang out with my dad, drink at Amigos, garden and sculpt. And plan fabulous vacations that I can’t afford.
So you like art?
Yes.
Have you taken art classes here?
No, because you have to be able to draw things before you build things, which I think is ridiculous. You just can’t walk in and take pottery, or even photography. Or, I think you might actually have to be an art major to take art classes here.
How does your major and educational direction compare to your childhood aspirations?
When I was a kid, I was raised with no religion. Philosophy helps me define the world around my perceptions and me. It’s helped to give me a religion, I guess.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who talk about low-carb diets and never talk about exercise.
So, you’re pretty physically active?
Yes. I belly dance, weight lift and I ride bikes.
You don’t like team sports?
I’m not against it; I just don’t know if I could schedule that kind of stuff in.
What were you doing at the moment I walked up?
Taking a quick rest from finals and daydreaming of fabulous vacations.