Jonny Berger
Year: Senior
Major: Communications
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
As a California boy, who loves the beach, why did you choose UMD?
Growing up in Los Angeles wasn’t easy. It’s always about appearances, but sometimes there’s more to life than being “really, really, ridiculously good looking.” Here at UMD, I can wear whatever I want without having to please anyone. Just yesterday, I wore sweatpants and a tank top to class.
I hear you started your own business. Tell me about it!
When I was 18, I sat down at the barbershop and gave myself a hard look in the mirror. ‘What am I doing here?’ I thought. ‘This is a waste of twenty dollars.’ So after many failed attempts at cutting my own hair and looking like Jim Carrey from “Dumb and Dumber,” I finally started to get the hang of it. I decided to start my own hair-cutting business called Jonny’s Cuts. I stay ahead of the competition by selecting special playlists for my customers based on their musical interests and by keeping my prices low. Come to Commons 5 and get the haircut experience of your life! P.S. tips are accepted.
What else are you involved with on campus?
You can actually find me around campus giving tours. I decided to join Images because I love talking to people, but I wanted to get over my fear of public speaking. I know that in the real world public speaking is an important skill to conquer, so I made it my top priority. I ended up making a lot of new friends, and it has been an incredible experience.
What have you recently been involved with off campus?
During winter break, I worked at an entertainment-marketing firm called Allied Integrated Marketing in D.C. I was given the opportunity to work closely with every major movie studio that was looking to market their films. One opportunity that stood out from the rest was the day that I dressed up in a giant “Kung Fu Panda” suit. My boss didn’t tell me I would be on TV, but I quickly got into character. When I arrived, I was immediately escorted to a green room and asked to suit up. Within five minutes, I put on my suit, whipped out my bamboo, and practiced my Kung Fu.
What other unique experiences did you have while interning?
I was working at a premier for “The Boy,” and I decided it would be fun to pretend to be famous. I dressed up in my classiest Bond suit and got the crowd riled up by taking selfies with audience members and by giving out free promotional gear from the movie. Because who doesn’t like free stuff? And one of my more memorable moments was working at a screening for the movie “Dirty Grandpa.” Since my co-workers were too shy to get the job done, I stepped up to the plate and handed out “Dirty Grandpa” condoms to everyone waiting in line.
You are clearly the movie expert. What’s your favorite movie and why?
I like to think of myself as a movie connoisseur, which is why I tend to gravitate toward the classics. “Space Jam” is definitely in my top ten because of how relatable the characters are. Just look at Bugs Bunny. No matter what is going on in his life, he’s always able to maintain a positive attitude and inspire his peers.
Do you have any dreams of starring in a movie yourself?
If you’re a Buzzfeed fan, you might have seen me in one of their videos this past summer. My mom is an actress and she was asked by Buzzfeed to star in a game show. Three Jewish moms were put up against each other to win their son a date with a nice Jewish girl. My mom was the perfect wingman and secured a date for me with a thirty-one year old girl from Connecticut. The show was called ‘Date My Son! Jewish Mom Edition,’ and yes, I make public appearances for a small fee.
With just one semester left of college, what advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Try to have as many new experiences as you can. You never know how they will impact your future.
I hear you’re a “punny” guy. What’s your favorite go-to pun?
You must be a beaver, ‘cuz dam!