Damon Buck

Anticipated graduation year: 2011

Major: Art (graphic design track)

Hometown: Not too sure... probably Durban, South Africa

Whitworth activities/clubs: Intramurals

Favorite music: Electro, house, underground hip-hop and drum & bass specifically, but really I enjoy everything (except country); depends on the mood.

Favorite food: My mother's (or father's).

You'd be surprised to know that... I've lived in four different countries and still don't really know where home is.

Favorite thing about Whitworth: The community and the fact that you know everyone. I also really enjoy the opportunity students have to get to know professors. They're the knowledgeable ones, and the fact that they're making time to get to know you personally means you're definitely going to leave here with a better education.

Favorite residence hall: I'd probably have to say McMillan Hall. Mainly because I live there, but also because it is full of some really good men. They know how to have a good time, doing the things guys do, but they also pull out the manners when the need arises. It's nice to not have to worry about women causing problems in our living space. :-) As much as we love them, it's always necessary to have time with the boys.

I like my major because... who wouldn't love being creative every day? Art is a pretty big part of my life. It changes the way I see the world and I think I prefer my perspective to that of a business major. I pay a lot more attention to things people wouldn't normally notice, it gets me thinking more and everything becomes so much more interesting. It has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember and I was always told to pursue something I enjoy doing. So for that reason, I don't think I could do anything else.

Why I chose to attend Whitworth: It's a long story but I'll sum it up for you. My mom was an exchange student in Salem, Ore., 30-something years ago and developed a pretty good relationship with her host family. They are like family to us today, and they have some connections with the university. On one of my visits to the Northwest in 2007, they brought me to see it and I loved it straight away, mainly because of some of the people I met but also because I just felt comfortable being here. I didn't bother applying anywhere else.

Advice for incoming students: College only happens once (for most people), so make the most of every opportunity. You learn from experience. Even if it means doing something you wouldn't normally do, do it because you'll learn more about yourself by experiencing as much as you can.

What I plan to do after graduation: Over the years I've realized that I'm one who loves to travel and move around. I've even found it difficult at times to grasp the fact that I'll be here for four years. So, as soon as I'm done, I'm hoping to possibly continue my studies in the UK, as it is supposedly one of the graphic design centrals of the world. If that doesn't happen, I might go find a job close to the parentals in Dubai. In saying this, though, I have to say that my heart still belongs in Africa, so I definitely want to move back there one day – soon, I hope – provided they sort out all their problems.