From swimming with albino dolphins to almost getting shot, we should all be thankful that this week’s Her Campus McGill celebrity is still alive. Meet snowboarder and worldwide traveler Jon Birch — so full of surprises that one can be sure he will keep any girl on her toes.
Name: Jon Birch
Nickname(s): Juan B
Major/ Minor: International Management, Economics
Birthplace: Cooperstown, NY
Languages you speak: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French
Tell me about past and current activities that you’re involved with: Over the summer I was a camp counselor in Lake Tahoe, California. Right now I work for Campus Vacations.
What was your favorite class at McGill? Global Branding. Part of our class included a visit to a Heineken plant, where we drank copious amounts of beer after the tour. Cheers McGill!
Favourite memory at McGill? I can’t remember the best ones, but Igloofest, Ghetto house party hopping, and any St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans are high on my list.
Most useful piece of knowledge you gained while at McGill? “Everything you get you gotta work hard for it”– Method Man
Tell me about your traveling experience in Brazil: I spent a year in Brazil before coming to McGill. I saw everything from the Amazon to Copacabana. I also studied abroad in Sao Paulo for six months last year, and I went back in May to research some global brands. Looking to head back down there for the FIFA World Cup!
Craziest thing that happened to you while abroad? Too many crazy things happened. One night I came home to my host parent’s house after a party and my security guard started shooting at me because he thought I was robbing the house (he missed). I also swam with some albino dolphins in the Amazon River, ate a goat, and I got some ink done!
Considering Valentine’s Day is coming up, describe to me your ideal date night: I actually hate Valentine’s Day, but my ideal night would be a casual dinner (maybe tapas and lots of wine), a stroll through a park, and then, of course, a selfless night in the bedroom.
What is the best gift a guy should buy for his date on Valentine’s day? Yoga pants from Lululemon. Makes her happy, makes me happy. And pay for dinner of course; chivalry is not dead yet!!