To which classical figure do you most relate and why? Hercules because of his childhood. What book has been most influential to your career? A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide by Samantha Powers If you could travel back to ancient Rome, what five items would you take with you from the present? Aspirin, Monopoly (I may be able to finish the game for once), Toilet paper and Kleenex, and I would also take a lot of books: Latin Dictionary, Ancient World History Texts, Science books (Chemistry, Physics [so that I can make money being a magician.]) and every other book that I could possibly think of. What book are you currently reading? The Great Gatsby and The Millionaire’s Dinner Party (as a part of Latin Class) If it were possible, with whom, dead or alive, from the world outside of Classical Studies would you like to have dinner? Leonardo Da Vinci. What albums would you want to have with you if you were stranded on a desert island? Pearl Jam – Greatest Hits; Guns N’ Roses – Greatest Hits; Aerosmith – Greatest Hits; Red Hot Chili Peppers – Greatest Hits; ACDC – Back in Black If it were possible, with whom, dead or alive, from Classical times would you want to deliver your eulogy? Cicero. What trend in Classical Studies do you see as positive? Hands on learning in classroom; learning by doing rather than being taught at.

John Hammel is a student at Moses Brown School in Providence, RI. Hammel is the winner of AbleMedia's Bronze Chalice award for his submission of Caesar Video. Who has been the most important mentor in your career? All of the teachers that I have ever had. They have all affected me in different and unique ways How would you like to be remembered? As a good person - Caring, Compassionate, understanding and above all a great friend What is the best advice you have ever received? “Never take your work too seriously.” - friend What law, rule, event, or custom from Classical times would you like to see reincarnated today? Community leisure - Resuscitations of Stories and being together, Community Entertainment. What is the most interesting thing in your car right now? Lounge Chair. Summarize yourself in the title of a Classics paper? "The Ancient World in Modern Form." What would be the title of your autobiography? Phoenix. What trend in Classical Studies do you see as negative? My personal problem would be memorizing vocabulary. Although I do regard memorizing as an important aspect to Classical Studies, it could be made much more interesting through games and PowerPoint presentations, Interactive.