| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | I took a trip with my family by train from California to northern Alberta, Canada to visit relatives when I was ten years old. I remember the incredible scenery of the Pacific coast and the Canadian Rockies. I also recall enjoying hearing stories of my grandma's youth from her cousins who still lived in the small prairie towns where she grew up. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I am close to both my older brother and younger sister. We talk about once a week by phone and visit each other as often as we can, even though we live in different parts of the country. We have a lot in common and enjoy just spending time together and talking. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | Honesty, dependability, kindness, understanding, empathy, strength, intelligence, and sense of humor. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | I served in the Peace Corps in Central America. One day, while I was taking a shower outside my rustic house, someone stole all my clothes and my key. I was locked out, naked. I had to go to a neighbor, borrow a towel, and then break into my house while trying not to lose the towel. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would travel all over the Mediterranean because I am interested in ancient Roman and Greek history. My top three destinations would be Italy, Greece, and Turkey to visit ruins and other archaeological sites. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I would like to pass on to them a strong foundation in essential character traits such as honesty, persistence, and concern for others. I also want to instill in them the values of hard work, denying immediate pleasure in pursuit of a higher purpose and the need for lifelong learning. |
