The Observer, November 30, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 12
Spartan Spotlight: Mary Herendeen
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Basics: Mary Herendeen is a third year nursing major from Austinburg, Ohio-which she describes as a "small town where we get school off on the first day of deer season." She's a member of the Spartan women's basketball team.
Chris Lambert: Why'd you start playing basketball?
Mary Herendeen: My mom said I needed to lose weight. After she secretly put me on a diet that I found out about years later, she got me involved in basketball. Let's just say I didn't have that impressive speed back then that Colleen mentioned.
CL: Wow. That's a very unique story. What's the best part about Case basketball?
MH: The team's attitude, especially Colleen's, is always positive. I love it.
CL: I don't want to start any drama, but who is your favorite girl on the team?
MH: Anna Taylor is really intimidating, so I better pick her.
CL: She makes babies cry, in a good way. Both Anna Taylor and Colleen Martin mentioned you in their interviews, how'd that make you feel?
MH: Sooooooooo popular.
CL: How do you feel the season has been so far?
MH: It's been really fun. I hate losing, but we are a young team and improving every day, so the future is hopeful.
CL: Just look at the Cleveland Browns! Speaking of Cleveland, what's your favorite thing about this city?
MH: Case, duh?
CL: Mine too…What's the best class you've taken?
MH: World lit. My professor yells at me all the time and says that I'm "so against him!" and I'm "contemptuous!" …I laughed along with everyone even though I didn't know what the word meant, 'cause I felt stupid…I looked it up later and it means I'm sneering and arrogant. Ha, whatever.
CL: Tell him he's acting puerile and callow and should take the time to ruminate on his deportment as someone in a position of educational prominence, because it sounds like his politesse could use some ameliorating. So who is your favorite professor, then?
MH: Obviously my world lit. professor. He asks me why I hate him, but really it's nothing but love.
CL: Oh. Um, never mind then. What's your favorite thing about Case?
MH: Building four, room 456, only the best looking suite on campus, by popular vote.
CL: Cool. What's your hidden talent?
MH: I hum while I eat when I feel there is an awkward silence. For some reason, it's always the same tune, and I do it unknowingly.
CL: I have never heard of anyone doing that, ever. I really want to witness this. Who is your role model?
MH: My mom, Joni. She's pretty hilarious. I'm trying to catch on…probably not working.
CL: You're doing great. What's the best advice you've ever been given?
MH: Live life with no regrets.
CL: It's true. I look at everything in my past, good or bad, right or wrong, whether it made me feel on top of the world, or like I was buried alive, as a learning experience; as a means of growth. When I do that, I regret nothing, because everything makes me a better person for tomorrow. Anyway, what's the craziest thing you've ever seen?
MH: My friend caught his face on fire after he lit a shot of Everclear and decided not to completely smother the flame before he drank it. For some reason he threw it all over his face instead of putting it in his mouth…In case you're wondering, he's OK and with no scarring. But it was crazy.
CL: You have interesting friends. Finish this sentence: Case Western Reserve University is…
MH: Definitely not ripping everyone off.
CL: Definitely not. Tom or Jerry?
MH: I forgot which one is which. I hate cats though, so the mouse wins in my book.
CL: Should I stop asking you questions now?
MH: I don't know, should you?
