Jordon Williams
Year: 2016
What is your major, and why did you choose it?
I literally JUST declared my major. I decided on Cultural Studies. I took a while to declare because I was so unsure about whether I wanted to double major or also minor in something else. I ultimately decided on Cultural Studies because I am really passionate about people. I think that it is so amazing how different and similar humans can be at the same time.
What’s your hometown, and what do you love about it?
I am originally from Cleveland, but I have lived in Pittsburgh since I was about 10. Is it fair to say they are both my hometown? I love Cleveland because much of my family is there, and some of my most amazing childhood memories are from when I lived in Cleveland. But I love Pittsburgh because I feel like it’s a city that is really quirky.
If you could assign everyone at Chatham one book to read, what would it be and why?
One of my favorite books is The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman. It’s been my favorite book since I was a kid. I think everyone should read it because sometimes we need a break from the toughness of life. This book will bring anyone back to childhood. It is so fun to read. The entire book rhymes, and the pictures are so detailed. I really loved to study the pictures and find new things each time I read it as a kid.
Why did you choose Chatham?
I actually chose Chatham mostly because I was looking for a college that has family housing. I have a 2 1/2 year old son, and I wanted to go to a school that offered housing that I could live in with him. However, there were many other awesome aspects to Chatham that made my decision that much easier, including the gorgeous campus, a liberal and welcoming atmosphere and the fact that it is an all women’s institution.
What do you love most about being a Chatham student?
I love that Chatham is dedicated to equality. And not just equality for women, but equality across the board. I am proud to be a part of a community that is so accepting and welcoming to all people.
Suppose you can pick any musician or band to perform at your next birthday party. Who do you choose?
I think it would be super rad to have Fleetwood Mac perform at my next birthday party. I grew up listening to their music because my mom is a big fan. I have my mother to thank for my love for Fleetwood Mac today. I feel like there is a song of theirs that is perfect for any type of mood I am in. It would be the coolest thing to have them play at my birthday.
You have a friend coming to Pittsburgh for one day, and you can only take them to do one thing. Where do you go/what do you do?
My favorite place in Pittsburgh is the spot where you emerge from the Fort Pitt Tunnel. It is the most amazing feeling coming from the tunnel into Pittsburgh and seeing all of the buildings, and the lights, and the bridges, and the river. I remember the first time that I came out of that tunnel when I visited Pittsburgh as a kid. I would love for my friend to experience that awesomeness.
Which TV character would you want to be your best friend?
This is the toughest question to answer… there are so many cool characters. It would be sweet to be Olivia Pope’s best friend (Scandal) because she is a frickin’ badass and we would run stuff together. But then who wouldn’t want to be best friends with Cory Matthews and Topanga Lawrence. They would be the most loyal friends for sure. But if I wanted to get into some shenanigans, then I would choose the gang from Recess, Rocket Power or Hey Arnold!.
What was your childhood dream job?
As a child I wanted to be a great many things. I think there was veterinarian, pediatrician, teacher, astronaut… the list goes on.
What’s your current dream job?
I’m still struggling with what I want to do in the future. I feel like as long as what I am doing is aiding in the elimination of inequalities among people, I will be a very happy person.
Or being an ice cream flavor creator/taste tester.