Cultivating Appreciation

Alex Dillon on Britton Plaza.

Alex Dillon ’17 

Drummer and East Asian studies major Alex Dillon ’17 discusses his college-decision process, the unexpected joy of dance and the importance of appreciating others’ creativity. 

Major:

East Asian studies.

Clubs and organizations:

Run With it!, Liberty Cap Society (tour guides), Mermaid Players (theatre), Dickinson College Community Orchestra, Dickinson Improvisation and Composition Ensemble and The EP Project.

Favorite book:

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

Favorite movie:

The Italian Job (the one with Mark Wahlberg).

On choosing a major:

I was already taking Japanese, and I was looking for a major that would give me a unique direction to take it. It was a tough decision to make, but I think all of the courses are really fascinating and the professors are also all so good!

On choosing Dickinson:

Well, I toured F&M, Gettysburg, Muhlenberg, Dickinson and the University of Richmond. Dickinson by far had the best music program and nicest people on campus. Also, my sister, mom, grandfather and great-grandfather all went to F&M, so I really wanted to break the cycle.

[Learn more about Dillon's choice in his Early Decision video]

Favorite place on campus:

The drum studio in South College.

Favorite Dining Hall food:

Gyros.

Favorite class:

Last year I took Modern Dance 1 and 2 to fulfill my [physical education] requirement. I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but it was such a blast! It really got me tuned in with my body, and I become much more flexible! I learned that dancing is really hard, so I have a much greater respect for those who enjoy it and make it look so easy.

As a kid, I wanted to be …

… an astronaut. I was always on the shorter side, and I thought I would be perfect to go up into space. Then everything changed when I realized I needed to have good eyesight.

Biggest influence:

My drum teacher from 4th to 12th grade. His name is John Peifer, and he’s a crazy dude, but he taught me to appreciate everything (especially music), because if it means enough for somebody to create it, then it demands appreciation.

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Published December 11, 2015