Name: Josh Exoo
Hometown: Canton, NY
Years spent at SLU: This is my fourth year teaching at SLU, though I took classes here when I was in high school.
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What classes do you teach here on campus?
I teach “Your Place in the World” in the FYP and “How to Like It: Depictions of Happiness” in the FYS and I am the Faculty Adviser for Commons College, a theme house here on campus.
What is your favorite thing about fall?
Fall is easily my favorite time of year for the air. There’s a day when you walk outside and breathe in, and it’s so crisp and sweet and cool and unmistakably autumn air. It feels light, like it’s letting go of everything.
Do you have any tips on how to survive winters in the North Country?
I don’t experience this as much as some, but the lack of sunlight can get to people who aren’t used to it (it’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder). They have some sun lamps in the health center I believe, so a few minutes can help elevate your mood.
Where is the most interesting place you have traveled? And what did you do?
My favorite place to travel is Ireland, because it feels like a second home. The most interesting thing I did there was get married on the beach on the Southwest coast. We had to keep edging up the wedding party because the tide was coming in.
What’s life with dreads like?
Life with dreads is great. You can divert your shampoo money and hairdresser fees to sandwich money. You never have to worry about making an appointment for a haircut, and sandwiches are abundant.
What was your first date like?
It was with a blue-eyed, blonde girl named Val. A group of us went to see a Star Trek movie and I held her hand through it and I remember nothing about the movie. Then we all crashed at somebody’s house. She gave me a kiss and then went to sleep on the bed and I walked out on the balcony in my bare feet in the snow and watched the winter moon for half an hour. It was exquisitely lonely, in only the way the young can truly feel.
What’s your favorite local restaurant to eat at?
Jreck’s Subs. Most SLU students don’t eat there, but if you grew up here it’s something of a religion.
Fun fact?
Herring Cole Reading Room is supposedly haunted. People at night see a woman in black ascending the stairs, or I’ve heard a ball of ethereal light moves around the 2nd floor walkway…
Favorite place to hang out on campus?
Herring Cole Reading Room at night. Just kidding, I like Commons College porch in the Spring when classes are winding down. It’s a special feeling having accomplished another year together, and breathing in the languid feel of summer.
Your favorite hobby?
I love playing video games on the couch with my wife and our three cats curled up around us. She’s a mean shot for a vegetarian.