Pensive Palavering with Mazie Drummond

Inge Hoogerhuis reached out to the Pigeon Press last month with the idea that we start a new feature where we “ask a student or teacher some cool questions” to spotlight the wonderful community we have at the school. The staff took the idea and ran, coming up with 20 Northwest Academy-style questions. This week we are featuring junior Mazie Drummond.

1. How did you parents choose your name?

I’m named after my great-grandfather on my dad’s size: Kenneth Mason. So “Mason” is my first name, and somehow “Mazie” just sort of became.

2. What’s the most interesting dream you’ve had?

I dream almost every night, and I dream very vividly. When I was little I used to have a recurring dream that I was trapped on a burning playground, but it was fun, like an obstacle course. At the end of the dream, a Superman the size of a building would always swoop in and save the day.

3. Do you think you’re an introvert or an extrovert? Why?

I used to think that I was an introvert, but that was before I underwent some life changes, became more self aware, and realized that I am definitely an extrovert. I thrive on conversation and personal connection; I feel most alive when I’m talking to people. That said, I definitely need time alone; I tend to get overwhelmed if I’m around people for too long.

4. What’s the worst (least effective) way you’ve tried to cope with quarantine?

I’ve been signing myself up for way too much stuff. Which, I guess, is both a blessing (because I love what I’m doing) and also a curse (cue the all too frequent panicked homework sessions). It is also possible that I just have poor time management, exacerbated by the endless loop we all seem to be living in.

5. What was your closest call with death?

I’ve definitely majorly rolled down a ski hill a few times. That’s not really a brush with death, but for sure some losing-both-skis and getting-pummeled-by-moguls action. It’s pretty frightening, but then again one of the fun parts of skiing is the adrenaline.

6. What/who has influenced you the most in your life and why?

I got to visit DC in 8th grade and it was honestly life changing, I can’t even explain it. In hindsight, that trip is definitely part of the reason that I got inspired to focus on politics; everything was just so exciting. I will be back.

7. What is your dream job?

U.S. Senator, governor, maybe mayor of a substantial city, or in the activism scene. I want to be part of the reason that at least a few folks and families feel that their lives have improved. I’m talking about systems change, baby! Feel free to ask me about my platforms, I’m happy to talk at you.

8. What is an object you will keep your entire life and why?

I have a locket from my grandmother that has photos of her, my dad, my aunt and my uncle. It will definitely be a personal family heirloom through the rest of my life.

9. If anything, what about you has changed during your time at NWA?

I decided who I wanted to be, and got dedicated to pursuing my future self.

10. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Okay! So I’m asked this question every single time I’m a summer camp counselor and my answer is always the same. My super power would be the ability to summon tiny pocket-sized unicorns to do my bidding at will.

11. If you had to bring one comically large or comically small item to an abandoned island, what would it be and why?

Tiny matches. Look, I’m thinking practically here. Even a tiny tiny spark can create a monstrous fire.

12. What’s your worst fear?

Losing control.

13. What gives your life meaning?

The way I feel about the world gives my life meaning. That includes the people, places, and things that make me feel things. I think (and feel), therefore I am.

14. If you could have any famous dead person as the president of the USA, who would it be and why?

Edgar Allen Poe, so everyone could be haunted by ravens. No, but actually definitely one of the famous activists of time. Martin Luther King Jr., of course, would be an incredible president.

15.With 15 minutes until nuclear annihilation, what snack would you want to be your last?

This is a high stakes question. Maybe some kind of pie? I’m genuinely getting stressed out even thinking about it.

16. What’s your biggest kitchen screw-up?

I don’t know that I’ve ever had a massive kitchen screw-up, but I have made some pretty big messes in my time.

17. What’s the worst injury you’ve had? What happened?

I, surprisingly, have never been badly injured. My back went out in sixth grade and David Berkson had to wheel me out to the parking lot in an office chair once. Does that count? Not really my finest moment.

18. What’s something most people disagree with you about?

I am very idealistic, and I tend to think in extremes. Sometimes that’s what starts my political arguments, at least.

19. What’s your favorite type of bad weather and why?

I love snow. I guess snow is good weather unless you’re stuck on the number 9 bus right before a blizzard when everyone’s packed together with standing room only, and a 40 minute bus ride turns into 2 hours. Speaking from experience. The snow was worth it, though.

20. What’s the most useless talent you have?

I have a talent for obsessing over different music genres/albums/songs at different times. Maybe that’s not really a talent, just my life.