Anita Lukic sat down with Adam Wagner, Program Assistant 2 with the Department of Anthropology, to ask him six questions.
How long have you been at the university and what’s your current role?
Last May, I started as a temporary program assistant in the Department of Anthropology. I moved into that role full-time in August and was promoted to Program Assistant 2.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
The subject matter. I find myself getting excited about the classes that I am helping coordinate; I like to look at different syllabi; and I steal books form the department to read [laughing]. I am very infatuated with the subject matter that people cover in their classes. My wife was always interested in anthropology, but I never had the chance to peruse the different topics until now. Everybody is also very nice which makes my job a lot easier. It makes the workplace feel more like home.
What’s your secret talent?
I was an English teacher for six years in Korea. It’s difficult to get school children to pay attention to you when you don’t speak their language. I know how to do some magic tricks that are silly but that get the attention of little kids in the morning.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My wife and I bought a membership to the Chicago International Film Festival. We spend a lot of time trying to see as many films as we can that are outside the mainstream. I also love live music shows. I like to go to as many shows as I can afford. Chicago is nice for lesser known and less expensive live music, but you can also go see a stadium show if you want.
What is your perfect idea of a relaxing day?
It depends on where I am. I grew up in the Upper Peninsula where I used to fish a lot. In Korea, I liked to go with friends to the park and just sit outside. In Chicago, I like spending time in the city a little bit more. I like to walk on the Riverwalk or along the lakefront. I bought a bike when I moved to Chicago and it got stolen. I bought a second and now I like to ride my bike when the weather is nice. On bad days, I like to watch movies.
For people looking to try out something new (food, TV shows, places, etc.), what would you recommend?
If you go to Marquette, Michigan, and you drive 2.5 miles north on country road 550, you will pass a place called Wetmore’s Landing. Keep going for another 0.5 miles until you get to top of the hill. Park your car on the side of the road and climb down to Lake Superior. You will find yourself on a secluded, hidden beach that nobody knows about except for the locals and now you. It’s a secret gem!