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Student describes self as a rocker and skier

Catherine Meidell

Utah Statesman: Where did you grow up?

Juan Manuel Vera Mollina: Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. I live 15 minutes walking from the beach.
 
US: How long have you lived in the United States?

JM: Two years.
 
US: What is your favorite thing about USU?

JM: I would have to say the campus. Since I work a lot with animals, I like the farms as well.
 
US: Why did you come to USU?

JM: A professor back home recommended it to me as a great pre-vet school. He is getting his Ph.D. here now.
 
US: What do you miss about Puerto Rico?

JM: The food and the beach. Mostly the food. They are both excellent. I also miss the Puerto Rican people.
 
US: What is your favorite food?

JM: It’s definitely going to be Puerto Rican. It’s called mofongo. It’s basically mashed and fried plantains seasoned with garlic.
 
US: What do you usually end up doing on the weekend?

JM: I basically study, watch movies and
play Wii.
 
US: How many people are in your family and what are they like?

JM: There are five total including me. They are crazy in a cool way and they are lively. My younger sister is a nerd and my brother is a party-aholic.
 
US: Do you plan on moving back to Puerto Rico after you graduate?

JM: I’m going to stay for my master’s degree. I have a lot more chances here but I love Puerto Rico so much.
 
US: What adjustments did you make moving to the U.S.?

JM: Not a lot – it was basically the adjustments that any person makes leaving home. I have tried to not swear and talk as loud like I did in Puerto Rico.

US: What kind of music do you listen to?

JM: I’m a rocker. Everything like classic rock to Radiohead. Mainly anything rock, but nothing mainstream. My favorite band is Muse.
 
US: What would you change about your college experience?

JM: The cold. Snow is good and I love skiing, but snow in April is not cool.

US: Is USU the only college you have attended?

JM: I was first attending the University of Puerto Rico for three years.
 –catherine.meidell@aggiemail.usu.edu