Name, Hometown, Major?
Luigi Nuñez; Camden, NJ; Math and Computer Science Double Major
2. What’s your sign?
Leo, best sign out there.
3. What’s the last drink you had?
Starbucks Vanilla Latté with Whip Cream.
4. What’s your favorite class at SJU?
My favorite class is my French 402 class, Advanced Oral Expression. We talk about ethical issues going on in the world, specifically France and the US, but in French.
5. What’s your oldest memory?
The oldest thing I can remember is visiting my grandparents in the Dominican Republic when I was about three years old. They owned chickens and other farm animals, so I thought it was smart to chase a group of chicks around. Well, the mama chicken noticed and started chasing me. Let’s just say I stopped harassing chickens from then on.
6. What’s your greatest moment at SJU?
I worked as the iSJU intern this year, preparing sessions for upperclassmen to speak to freshmen about their lives at SJU. After this one session, a freshman girl called me over to ask about a program called the Winter Immersion Program. She knew I was leading the trip to El Paso, so I spoke to her about my previous experience. Now she’s in my group, and I could not be more proud nor excited for her and all the other freshmen who took advantage of the program.
7. What’s been your biggest struggle at SJU?
My biggest struggle here at SJU is maintaining my friendships. There are so many amazing individuals at this school, and I just want to be friends with everyone. Everyone here is unique, making me laugh and smile in different ways, and every time I make a new friend, I always feel like I’m letting down my other friends by not spending as much time with them.
8. Are you single?
I am indeed single and ready to mingle, but only on the weekends…and some Tuesdays.
9. Have you ever been in love?
I like to say yes. I started dated this one girl junior year of high school for about eight months, but I knew and liked her since sixth grade. Being able to finally ask her out and spend time with her was very special to me and really helped me grow in my self-esteem, confidence, and ability to make friends. We don’t date anymore, but I still thank her for allowing me to be myself and I’m good friends with her to this day.
10. What’s your dream job?
I don’t really have a certain career that I want, but I know for a fact that I want to be a dad.
11. What would you do if you had unlimited money?
I would, without a doubt, donate to helping the education systems in cities like Philadelphia and Camden. Then I would pay off my family’s debts (house, tuition, sibling’s education, etc) and then buy myself a house in France and maybe a penguin because why not?
12. Where do you want to travel?
My goal in life is to live in France, so I would to travel there. However, I do want to visit Australia and Japan sometime in my life.
13. Are you a good dancer?
I’d like to say so. I grew up learning and dancing traditional Dominican music, and I danced in my high school’s musicals.
14. What are you involved in here?
I don’t really do much on campus. I’m a leader for SJU’s Winter Immersion Program and a Brother of Phi Sigma Pi, the National Honor Fraternity. I also hold positions in our University Student Senate as the Secretary of Mission and Chair of the IT Committee. I sometimes give tours as a Hawk Host and play on our Club Water Polo team. I’m going on APEX for the second time and hopefully I’ll do Collegiate Challenge again. I did Weekly Service last semester, hopefully again next semester. I went on the Ignite Retreat last year, and just applied to be a leader. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
15. What is your favorite activity at SJU?
My favorite activity at SJU is definitely being a Brother of Phi Sigma Pi. I wouldn’t be where I am now without it. In fact, one of my Brothers was my leader for WIP and the previous intern of iSJU; it’s thanks to him that I was so prepared and confident in myself when taking on the job. I genuinely love going to the weekly meetings because I get to see people who share the same ideals as me. I also get to spend time with my beautiful Big Brother Mark McShane. I know I can unwind with him whenever I want, and he’s always willing to get food or just hang out and listen. Without PSP, I wouldn’t have such perfect individuals in my life.
16. What do you look for in a relationship?
I look for clear communication. I love girls who are chill, laid back, and funny and don’t mind eating a burger right in front of me, but problems and arguments will arise sooner or later. For us to work, you need to be able to express your thoughts; it lets me put myself in your shoes and actually understand you. Not holding back information shows trust and creates a safe environment that lets me do the same.
17. Do you have any pets?
I have one dog, a Shih-Tzu named Lucy.
18. What was your last dream about?
Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. I never remember my dreams.
19. Who is your celebrity crush?
Emma Watson. She was a great person as Hermione, and she’s a great person as Emma.
20. What’s your most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment was when I was in fourth grade. My class went on a pumpkin picking trip, and there was a playground. I love going on the monkey bars. Well, at this time in life, the boys in my class had a habit of “pants-ing” people. I jumped up to grab the bars, and my pants went down….and so did my underwear. Let’s just say one of the chaperoning parents saw the whole thing.
21. What TV shows are you watching right now?
I am addicted to Game of Thrones at the moment, but because it’s not airing right now (insert sad face), I’m currently watching Walking Dead. I’m not complaining though; it’s a great show.
22. What is your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement to date is becoming one of the two Winter Immersion Program leaders for El Paso. I went on the trip last year, and it truly touched my heart. I met some great friends on the trip, but it opened my eyes and heart to injustice. It was the first time I actually learned what injustice was. I’m from Camden, so I’ve always been around violence and drugs, but it was so “normal” to me. Going to El Paso really opened my eyes to the truth, and being able to go back to not only learn more but also to be there for the other participants is a great honor and blessing.
23. How many pillows do you sleep with?
I prefer sleeping with one pillow under my head and another to cuddle with.
24. Favorite food?
Ice cream. It is a food, no matter what anyone says.
25. Pizza of choice?
Barbecue Chicken Pizza. Enough said.
26. Favorite condiment?
Ketchup. I can eat it on almost anything, which is either a really good thing or a seriously bad thing.
27. If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
If I could ask future Luigi one question, it would be “Are you still close to Berto?” Berto is my little brother, and he is my little light. I have no idea where I would be or whom I would be if it wasn’t for him. If I was to find out that our relationship weakens, I would make sure to NOT let that happen.
28. Can you speak more than one language?
I can fluently speak in English and Spanish and moderately converse in French.
29. What’s your biggest fear?
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I realized this at the end of freshman year, and it has been a blessing and a curse.
30. What is some advice you would give to a college Freshman?
Be genuine with yourself. If you don’t like alcohol, don’t drink. There are tons of people who don’t. If you want to get involved but are scared for some reason, DO IT. Everyone’s scared of something, and getting past that is one of the greatest things you can do. If you’re homesick, tell someone. It’s a common thing, especially for freshmen. The one thing that I look back on and would change is my involvement. There are many clubs that I belonged to and dropped this year because I just didn’t resonate with them. They’re amazing clubs and organizations, but they just didn’t speak to me. I’m glad to have tried them because I found out that they weren’t for me. In fact, I discerned these decisions by talking to one of my teachers one day. All you’ve gotta do is be honest with yourself. Try new things. Be open to failure and rejection. Sometimes, you find out you actually didn’t want it. Other times, you’ll find out you truly want it and will work harder. You can only do these things by being open with yourself and putting yourself out there. I know you can do it; simply believe in yourself.