With Welcome Week just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate the fabulous John O’Neill, who began working in the Mudd during Welcome Week two years ago, when he was a freshman. Little did we know how valuable and well-loved this horn performance and government major from Reno, Nevada would become.
Not only does John work tremendously hard balancing all of his roles during the academic year, he has also spent his summers working with us in the Mudd, doing all sorts of necessary and useful projects, from helping to manage our music scores and collections, to charmingly modeling for social media posts. Summer would not be the same without John, who is always ready to lend a hand. Read on to learn more about this wonderful and talented student worker!
What is your job title at the Mudd and what work does that entail?
I am a student shelving assistant in the score section, which means that I keep the area organized and shelve everything that circulates. I have also worked at the circulation desk over breaks and have done some cataloging work with Antoinette Powell, the music librarian.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I really love fixing up and erasing some of our “extra loved” scores because it tells me how much students use the score collection.
Share something you’ve done at work that has made you especially proud.
Very recently someone asked how many feet of CDs we would have if they were laid end-to-end. It was really fun and satisfying to figure out the answer.
As a student, where is your favorite (study/relaxation/hang-out) spot in the Mudd?
I usually head straight for the middle of the stacks on the third and fourth floors, although the “fishbowl” on the 2nd floor is also a great place to work.
What are your hobbies?
Collecting vinyls, reading, putting together puzzles, and baking when I can.
What’s the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?
Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man
What are your favorite bands or performers?
The Beatles, Chicago
How about your favorite blogs and/or magazines?
The Atlantic Weekly, New York Times, the Horn Call, and the Mudd’s blog (of course!)
What groups and/or organizations are you active in (on or off campus)?
I am active with Lawrence’s Young Democrats, Lawrence’s Quizbowl Team, and several chamber groups in the conservatory.
When will you graduate? What are your post-graduation plans?
Since I will be a fifth year and I’m only a junior, I won’t graduate until 2018!