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21 Questions with Alex Coccia

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AnnaLee Rice Student Contributor, University of Notre Dame
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Notre Dame chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Alex Coccia is an undeniable campus figure. Recently, Alex, PSA, and Notre Dame, all working together, have achieved a monumentous victory: providing support to LGTBQ students on campus. HCND wanted to ask Alex a few questions in light of his debut on CNN (http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/07/catholic-notre-dame-announces-services-for-gay-students/?hpt=us_c2)

 

 

Name: Alex Coccia
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Major: Africana Studies, Peace Studies
Major you wish you chose: Africana Studies, Peace Studies
Dorm Allegiance: Siegfried Hall of Champions
 
1. Why do you think you’re being interviewed?
Probably because of my involvement in the 4 to 5 Movement at Notre Dame.
 
2. Who are you?
How much space do I have to answer that question? I’m a dog lover and an
Ally, in the most general sense of the term.
 
3. Favorite Domer dead, alive, or fictional?
My dad, class of 1972.
 
4. Do you find the moniker “Domer” kind of weird?
“I’m a Domer” sounds less structurally awkward than “I’m a fighting Irish.”
And “I’m a member of the Fighting Irish family” is too long. So, I think “Domer” is fine.
 
5.Post-grad plans?
Law school, but maybe not immediately after graduation.
 
6.Highlight of your college career to date?
The community we have been able to create with the 4 to 5 Movement, the
change in conversation we have achieved regarding inclusion for LGBTQ members of
the community on campus, and the work towards structural changes that will reinforce
the student conviction for inclusion.
 
7.In 25 years, you will be:
46, and in public office.
 
8.What did you think you were going to do freshman year and why?
I thought I would work hard and see what happens.
 
9.If you could change one thing about ND what would it be? Don’t say parietals
because that’s boring.
Attitudes regarding gender stereotypes.
 
10. Favorite class you’ve taken?
Nonviolent and Violent Arab Revolutions with Professor Emad Shahin
 
11. Worst?
Am I allowed to say? My second philosophy course, on human nature.
 
12. Bed time?
Also called “nap time.” Typically, when my work is done.
 
13. Favorite spot on campus?
Shout out to the brand new Castellan Family Fencing Center.
 
14. Biggest fear?
Snakes.
 
15. Guilty pleasure?
Harrison Ford movies – just not the 4th Indiana Jones
 
16. What’s your drink?
Venti Vanilla Latte, all the time, every time, ask all of the baristas.
 
17. Who is your mortal enemy?
No enemies, only potential friends.
 
18. Favorite decorative possession?
My dorm poster of John Lennon and the words to “Imagine.”
 
19. If you could give one verb of advice for current students what would it be?
Network.
 
20. What’s your cause?
Specifically, a more welcoming community for members who are LGBTQ.
Generally, creating an environment where every one can love Notre Dame as much as I
do.
 
21. What makes someone a Domer?
Many things can make someone a Domer. But the Notre Dame degree is
certainly one.

 

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AnnaLee Rice

Notre Dame

AnnaLee Rice is a senior at the University of Notre Dame with a double major in Economics and Political Science and a minor in PPE. In addition to being the HCND Campus Correspondent, she is editor-in-chief of the undergraduate philosophy research journal, a research assistant for the Varieties of Democracy project, and a campus tour guide.  She believes in democracy and Essie nailpolish but distrusts pumpkin spice lattes because they are gross.