By: JOHN LARSON
larsonjd@iu.edu 
My name is John Larson. I’m an intern this semester at the Preface, and I’m majoring in communications with a focus on journalism. I’m a sophomore, and I’ve yet to decide on my minor. I’m looking into either philosophy or gender studies, but I haven’t entirely decided yet. I prefer gender-neutral pronouns, but I’m not all that picky.
I come from Valparaiso, which was terribly boring. Most of my old friends had left in one way or another before I came to South Bend, so I didn’t have much holding me back.
I finally had it in my mind to go to university after the election; I wasn’t sure how I could help people but I knew the only way I’d have a chance is if I got an education. I settled on journalism because I have a history of being a good writer, and I like to tell the stories of others. I know this seems odd in respect of the fact that I’m currently writing about myself.
I’m a fairly introverted person. I don’t like being in big groups or at loud parties; I prefer more intimate environments where a few people can talk together in a calm, friendly environment. It’s not just because I can’t dance, I promise. I tend to enjoy being by myself, but it’s not for distaste of company.
When I am on my own, I generally enjoy either reading or playing video games. My reading habits aren’t particularly interesting to many, I imagine; I like to read non-fiction books about weird stories or important times in history. I’m currently working my way, slowly, though Ta-Nehisi Coates’s “We Were Eight Years in Power,” a collection of the author’s essays leading up to the 2016 election, and re-reading “You Dropped It, You Pick It Up,” by Jim Paul, a story about a very bad football game.
The video games I play tend to be older or indie titles. My favorite game ever is “Fallout: New Vegas.” I really appreciate the breadth of choice it gives you in determining your character, something few other games have ever come close to. I’ve also played a conventional roleplaying game or two; I currently play an online game of “Broken Worlds” with some friends on Fridays, where I get to be a giant woman who beats up demons with pro wrestling moves.
The strongest force in my life has always been my mother. She helped support me while living with a distant and abusive father. She was always there to listen to my problems, whether they were ones I had no power over or ones I made myself. She can frustrate me and confuse me, but I wouldn’t be here without her.
