Ammon told me he's a little embarrassed about some of his answers now. Understandably, because which human replies in perfectly clever ways throughout an impromptu interview. I think he was a pretty intelligent, handsome young man, who on occasion would sneak into parts of campus buildings most students never got to see. Thanks for sharing the article with me, Ammon! Note that my other brother, Aaron, was taking his usual nap on the couch next to Ammon near the International and Sunburst Lounges of the Taggart Student Center.
The Utah Statesman interviewed Ammon Hooper, a freshman in biological engineering from Hyde Park, Utah.
Utah Statesman: What’s your favorite outdoor activity in Logan?Ammon Hooper: I like snowboarding but I don’t get to go as often as I’d like, playing soccer and ultimate Frisbee.US: You can only read one book for the rest of your life. What book is it?AH: It would have to be a really long book. I don’t know, I like “The Giver.” … It’s been a long time since I’ve read it, but it’s kind of like a good, dystopia movie in book form.US: What’s your favorite song connected to a good memory?AH: I’ve listened to “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons with my friends. We’ll get in whoever’s car has the most bass at the time and turn it up as loud as we can, so that’s a song I associate with hanging out with friends.US: If you could live in any movie, in which one would you live?AH: Probably something in the future where there’s amazing technology for me to use (and) you live forever.US: If you could ask President Obama one question, what would you ask him?AH: Would he answer honestly? I don’t really know, “What do you want America to become and what does everyone have to do for that to happen?”US: What do you wish you could do to change the world?AH: I’ve been kind of interested in education, how it could be improved so that everyone can be competitive, a global market. Even better than that, making it so that everyone can succeed if possible.US: What’s the best advice you ever got from your parents?AH: Have fun … responsibly.US: Why Utah State?AH: I got the dean’s scholarship here and I didn’t want to bother applying to anywhere else because it was so convenient and a lot cheaper.US: We caught you reading The Statesman. What’s your favorite part to read?AH: Usually whatever is on the front page, because it’s the most currently applicable. The politics ones are sometimes not fun to read, and then the comics are always fun.US: What’s was your worst job?AH: I worked fast food for a while. That was actually quite bad. It’s so hot and I was getting paid minimum wage, and it felt like I was working so hard.US: Any grease burns?AH: Yes, daily. Eventually, you just tough them out.US: What’s your biggest fear?AH: Probably just not succeeding at life and not being able to accomplish anything.US: Most embarrassing moment?AH: I was at an awards ceremony once and they were calling out names. I heard my name, so I started walking up and then I realized they had actually said “Ann” or something similar to that, so it was me and a girl and as soon as I got to the stage, I saw her and I realized, and so I just walked back.US: Where in the world would you like to live?AH: Somewhere in Europe where it’s warm, because I love the ocean. Every time I go on a vacation or a road trip, it’s my favorite part.
Eight years later, and Ammon just got back from a three-week adventure throughout Europe with his friends. He texted me, "Greetings from Tuscany," with these photos. He graduated with his bachelor's degree, and has been working as a phlebotomist and technician at a hospital while he prepares for other schooling challenges ahead. He's a sweet, intelligent, quiet yet daring young man, who I think is already succeeding at life and accomplishing great things. I'm proud of you and love you, Ammon!
