Matthew McDonald ’14

Name: Matthew McDonald
Nickname: Matt
Birthday: August 14, 1991
Major: International Studies and who knows
Relationship status: Taken
 
Likes: Running, wrestling, backpacking, music, photography, my family
Dislikes: Harry Potter movies
 
Where are you from?
 
St. Louis, Missouri.  I love it there; everybody’s real nice and friendly. Living next to a body of water has been a really nice change though.  It’s nice to be in a city like Chicago that people in the world actually care about.
 
Describe your dream girl
 
5’3’’, brunette, good at dancing, a go-getter, down for anything…from New York.
 
How did you meet your girlfriend?
 
I was looking to go to a play with somebody and I saw this cutie in the lounge.  I figured I’d make the move so I invited her.  The rest is history. 
 
Describe your fashion taste
 
I like to look like I’m out of the Great Gatsby 24/7, but the reality is I usually end up looking like every other college guy.  (It’s not true, Matt’s style is totally unique, plus he doesn’t wear jeans.)
 
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a Japanese language and culture minor
 
What’s your place you’ve traveled to?
Amsterdam.  Undoubtedly.  I went junior year of high school when I was working as a photographer for a newspaper.  The Netherlands is a beautiful country, and Amsterdam is an awesome city with amazing architecture.
 
What are you involved with on campus?
I’m on the sailing team.  Even though I’m just learning to sail I’m really dedicated because I want to get good at it.  I also write for the creative writing section of NBN and am in Wild Roots, the gardening club.
 
 
Who are your favorite artists?
 
I’m really into Kanye West.  I’m eagerly awaiting his new album.  Panda Bear is my boy.  Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, Vampire Weekend.
 
What are your favorite books?
The Sun Also Rises by Earnest Hemingway.  Last year I took a class on Hemingway and became totally obsessed.  He was the only person I could read for eight months straight, so I’m definitely a huge fan.  I really like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle  Maintenance Robert Pirsig. My mom gave it to me when I graduated high school, and it’s sort of a guide to happy living, so I think it came to me at a really important time.
 
Why HC loves Matt McDonald?
He’s sweet and sensitive (come on, he writes poetry and doesn’t watch tv) yet really down-to-earth.  “Oh My Lanta” and “Goodness gracious” come out of his mouth every few minutes, and there’s a Missouri flag, Japanese paper lantern, and Tibetan prayer flags hanging in his room.  Can’t get much more unique than this guy.  Oh yeah and he’s totally adorable.  Too bad he’s taken!