University of Mary Washington junior Andrew Hogan, whose varied interests include (but are not limited to) the study of pea plant experiments, ultimate Frisbee, dancing, Shakira and helping the Eagles continue their dominance in CAC men’s swimming.  INTRODUCING … Andrew Hogan.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?  I have been swimming since I was six years old, and have loved every second of it. I currently swim distance freestyle, with my conference events being 200, 500, and 1,650 freestyle.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  My major is Biology. The most important thing I have learned during my time as a biology major is the importance of attention to detail. Not only is this important when analyzing multiple pathways in development of human cancers, but it is also important to be extra attentive in everyday life. This way, you don’t miss a single moment, no matter how unimportant it may seem at the time.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is definitely campus walk, right outside my freshman dorm (Alvey Hall). I have so many memories there, good and bad; fun and ridiculous; and flat out random experiences that I will never forget. The friends I made in my freshman dorm will always be close to me, and the time we spent together that year will probably remain to be the best days of my life.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   I love to visit the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland.  Ireland is such a beautiful country, and those cliffs are breathtaking.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   Besides swimming, I am also involved in ARH (Association of Residence Halls; Vice President), Chi Beta Phi (Social Chair), Relay for Life (sub committee for Kickoff and Special Events), and I work as a lab aide (Prepare 6 sections of a cellular biology lab weekly).

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   The most memorable experience I have had while swimming for Mary Washington was the dual meet against Washington and Lee my freshman year. I have never been at a swim meet with that much energy before. The meet came down to the last relay, and everyone was at the end of the pool screaming as loud as they could. It was truly the best meet I have ever swam in.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   I believe that the most important societal issue facing college students today is sexual violence and rape. It is a very sore subject, but I feel that it needs to be taken even more seriously - not only by administrators, but also students. As college students, we need to always be aware of our surroundings, and do our part to reduce these incidents

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   If I could change one item in the world it would be level of seriousness people obtain to during their every day lives. Life is too short to spend it so tense. I would change it by enforcing dance breaks every 2 hours a day. I love to dance, and I find it both relaxing and that it brings out people’s true colors.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  Shakira. This may seem silly at first, but I really have learned a lot from her. Not only have I learned how to express myself through her music, but I have also learned a lot from her life’s work. Shakira has always focused a large portion of her free time promoting early education, and is currently an advisor for the president for the Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. She has taught me that music can help me both in my personal and professional life.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  Dancing. I love watching the movements and analyzing their patterns and coordination with the music it belongs to. It’s also something you can easily join in with, as long as you don’t worry about what other people think. It’s all about letting go and living in the moment, something I loose site of sometimes. This is why I love dancing; it always brings me back into perspective.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?   My answer depends on what type of information it is. If it’s academic, then my favorite form is in class. A combination of readings and lectures helps me understand material the best. But, if it’s another type of information, like people’s opinions on current events, then I like to hear it from my friends when we are hanging out at dinner, because you can’t read an opinion and really understand where it’s coming from.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Don’t think about the future. Once you get older that’s all you think about, or are “supposed” to think about. Children should enjoy learning for the sake of learning, and not worry about the future. It will come eventually, so why worry about it in the present?

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   I would have to say the Ultimate Frisbee team at my school. Those guys know how to have a great time playing their sport. Plus, they are all really funny guys.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   I’d like to have dinner with Shakira, so that I could learn a few dance moves whilst enjoying brunch; Gregor Mendel, because I have studied his pea plant experiments so many times, I would really just like to hear what he has to say about the basic principles of heredity; and the server waiting us, because denying him (or her) dinner with these two exceptional people would just be cruel.