Though the word “normal” appears in his answers and in the title of his favorite show, it certainly does not describe Aaron Noriega, music theater freshman. Here is a peek into Noriega’s life and inspirations.
Q: If you started a new club on campus, what would it be?
A: I’d start a Jewish choir. Or a choir that sings in Hebrew. It’s a beautiful form of music that a lot of people don’t know about. It’s very close to my heart, for a number of reasons, and I miss it.
Q: What is your greatest life achievement thus far?
A: Convincing my mom to be okay with me going to college for arts in Oklahoma.
Q: What is your dream role?
A: Dan in Next To Normal. Or Gabe in Next to Normal. Or Henry in Next To Normal. Or the Doctor in Next To Normal. Or anyone in Next To Normal. But mostly Dan.
Q: If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
A: Bring It On. I feel like I’m stealing that, but meh.
Q: What is the longest period of time you’ve ever gone without taking a shower?
A: Probably like three days. When I was a kid, I guess I was pretty bad at hygiene. Now, I shower every day/twice a day.
Q: If you could make one word into a highly offensive insult, which word would you choose?
A: “Normal.” I feel like it kind of already is one at this school.
Q: Describe your ideal wedding.
A: It’s summer. We’re on a beach. Our close friends are there. My family is there, obviously. There’s music, and there’s singing and food. Everyone’s happy, and it’s a pleasant day. No fights break out between the families. There’s no religious tension or racial tension. Everything is pleasant and lovely for a day.
Q: What is something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the guts?
A: Ask a stranger out on a date.
Q: If you changed your name, what would you change it to?
A: When I was a kid, I wanted my name to be Matt because of the show Cyberchase. Once, in camp, I told the counselors my name was Matt. They believed me for about two weeks, until I forgot to answer to the name Matt. I fooled them. I was a genius as a child. Actually, I was a wimp. Anyway…
Q: What was your favorite book as a child?
A: The Phantom Tollbooth
Q: What is one song that everyone should listen to?
A: “White Wine in the Sun” by Tim Minchin. It’s a beautiful little song told by an atheist. It’s about why Christmas matters to him.
Q: What is something that not very many people know about you?
A: I’m a black belt in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwon.
Q: If your favorite celebrity visited you on their birthday, who would it be and what would you give them as a present?
A: Noel Paul Stookey. He’s a member of Peter, Paul, and Mary. I’d give him a baseball because he sings the song “Right Field” about how he can’t play baseball, and then he catches a ball for the first time. That group is my favorite. They changed my life.
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