Name: Jude Stanion
Hometown: Durham, NC
University: University of North Carolina 12
Major: Anthropology
What led you to apply for Venture for America?
I get anxious when I’m bored. I’ve never been afraid of small spaces, but I describe my relationship with prolonged boredom as claustrophobia. VFA is a way to continue to learn and grow at an accelerated rate with a very low chance of claustrophobic bordom. VFA will certainly be fun, but fun isn’t the best word for it. There will be some days when the word fear will be more appropriate, but I don’t think I’ll ever be bored.
What were you doing when you found out you were accepted?
Folding clothes, probably socks.
Now that youre a fellow, what are you most excited about with regard to VFA? What do you hope to accomplish?
I think the community of fellows will be the best aspect of VFA. I had the thought upon leaving Detroit last year, “If I could bring a handful of the right friends here, we could remake this city.” The sentiment is naive in its ambition, but I never thought that I would be handed this exact opportunity. I’m excited to make some strong bonds this summer and then head out together to get some real work done.
If you had to live one place for the rest of your life, where would you choose?
Asheville, NC
Best thing about UNC: Spring days.
Favorite Book: Usually whatever Im reading at the time, so East of Eden.
Favorite childhood movie: Cinderella
Favorite meal: Brunch- an excuse to have champagne with breakfast.
Role model: Atticus Finch
Favorite holiday: The days leading up to Christmas.
Best class you’ve ever taken: Eats 101: a food snobs dream.
Favorite movie quote: Give me leave to do my utmost. Babettes Feast
Favorite thing to do on Sunday: Cook and eat with friends.
Favorite entrepreneur or start-up company: Andrew Yang, Venture for America
Favorite cereal: Crunchy granola.
Most worn article of clothing: Belt
Favorite sports team: Durham Bulls
Best trip you’ve ever been on: Solo travel to Berlin, Budapest, and Kosovo in 2011.
Favorite historical figure: Theodore Roosevelt
Accomplishment you’re most proud of: I was a life sized piñata for Halloween 2009.
