Eugene Weekly : Lead Story : 10.6.11

EW’s Back to Campus 2011

No Car? No Problem Living in Eugene sans automobile

Late Night Eats Stuffing face by moonlight

Gourmet Locavorism Eating well at LCC

Q&A: Students on the street

Ducking In Joiners can be choosers

Bass-Ack-Wards The world of collegiate tournament fishing

 

Q&A:
Students on the street
Interviews by Kendall Fields. Photos by Todd CoopeR.

Every year EW likes to check in with the latest flock of Ducks on the UO campus. We learned that pretty much everyone is happy to be Duck, but very few know who their quarterback is this year (Darron Thomas), though several were up on the Republican race to oppose Obama in 2012.  And people think all college kids care about is sports!

Niria Garcia, 19

Junior (creditwise, but in second year), environmental studies and Latin American studies

How does it feel to be a Duck?  

Awesome. Like being part of a big family. People here tend to be really friendly … It makes me feel like I made the right decision.  

What are you going to do with your degree? 

Working for a nonprofit organization in Latin America, supporting biodiversity and self-sustainability. 

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

I actually just asked my friend that yesterday because it’s their first time voting. I was like, “Wait. Who is running against Obama?”

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

Darron Thomas. Right?

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

Crap. I don’t keep up on football much. Arizona? Oh wait, no. Arizona was in there last year. 

 

Bryan Christensen, 20

Junior, sociology

How does it feel to be a Duck?  

I like it. I’ve liked it for a couple years now. I’m still enjoying it. 

What are you going to do with your degree? 

I want to get a master’s in counseling after I graduate. 

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

I know a couple … One is Michelle Bachman, I feel like she is more of a joke than a politician. 

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

Um … This is embarrassing. Who is it? (Pauses to hear answer) See, I knew it was Darron something!

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

I don’t know! Get back to me.

 

Jessica Rutherford, 18

Freshman, undeclared

How does it feel to be a Duck?  

Good. I’m loving it.  

What are you going to do with your degree? 

Work hard and travel. 

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

I don’t know.  

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

Oh no! I should know this.

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

No idea.

 

Leah Eyerly, 24

Senior, history

How does it feel to be a Duck?  

Oh, you know, the same as any day. No different. 

What are you going to do with your degree? 

I actually have a spot at a language school in Prague. I’ll get my language teaching certification and then teach for a couple months. 

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

Oh there are so many of them! Mitt Romney is in there. Michelle Bachman is in there. Ron Paul — is he Republican though?

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

No idea. I’m a bad Duck. 

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

Um … No … I don’t know.

 

Andrew Nguyen, 18

Freshman, undeclared

How does it feel to be a Duck?  

It feels great so far. The first few days we had breaks of sun, but today I’m starting to get used to puddles and rain. 

What are you going to do with your degree? 

Start my own business. I really like collaboration. I don’t know, just give back to the community. 

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

There aren’t any that I’m aware of. My friends know. 

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

Um … I have no idea. 

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

These are very tough questions!

 

Jasmine Henderson, 18

Freshman, undecided

How does it feel to be a Duck?  

It feels good.  

What are you going to do with your degree? 

Not sure yet.  

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

No (Shakes head). I don’t know. 

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

Um … No. (Laughs). 

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

I don’t know!

 

Beam Blackwell, 19

Sophomore, undeclared

How does it feel to be a Duck?  

Feels all right, I guess.  

What are you going to do with your degree? 

Ah, that depends largely on what degree I get. I will just see where life takes me. 

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

Romney is one. And Rick Perry. Bachman. Ron Paul wants to run, but I don’t think he’ll get it.  

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

Darron Thomas.

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

Don’t know.

 

Ava Klein, 19

Sophomore, Spanish and biology with a minor in theater

How does it feel to be a Duck?  

Feels good to be part of a big community in a small town.  

What are you going to do with your degree? 

I want to go to grad school, most likely for physical therapy. 

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

No, I could describe some of their beliefs … A lot are talking about Medicare plans. There are a few prominent men and a woman who is just going to get harassed. 

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

I don’t know this!

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

No, I don’t know this either.

 

Chris Avery, 19

Sophomore, human physiology

How does it feel to be a Duck?  Fun. Can I write an essay and get back to you? I love it … There is no seriousness of a mean mascot. 

What are you going to do with your degree? 

I’m looking into going into the military after getting my master’s. 

What Republicans are planning on running against Obama? 

I don’t know.

Who is the quarterback for the Ducks? 

Darron Thomas. Who doesn’t know that?

What two universities joined the PAC-10 to make the PAC-12? 

Utah and Colorado. Oh great, now everyone is going to think I can only get the sport questions right.