If there is one thing Mines teaches its students, it is that geeks come in all shapes and sizes. Geeks can be found all over campus, from graduate students who have been here longer than anyone can remember, to freshmen who are still finding their way around the school. As if to prove that point, the Oredigger found freshman Trace Tomme in his room learning to play “Settlers of Catan” with several of his dorm mates while taking a break from his work as a Physics major. Despite his important geek activities, Tomme readily agreed to be interrupted for an interview such as this.
[Oredigger]: So, why did you decide to shoot for a major in physics?
[Tomme]: Because physics is “phun” with a “ph!”
What are you most eagerly anticipating with regards to your studies in physics?
Railguns.
What’s been your favorite class so far?
Calc III because surfaces are cool. It’s like [regular] calculus, but it applies to three-dimensional things.
Do you consider yourself a geek and why?
Yes, because Captain Picard is my hero, and I have an awesome ghillie suit that I used to play Humans vs. Zombies.
What do you do with those elusive moments known as “free time?”
Play “Aces High” and watch “Battlestar Galactica.”
What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
Hmmm… most of them are yet to come, but maintaining a long-distance relationship with a girl in Germany for about two years now is definitely one of them.
How are you going to respond when the robot uprising occurs?
Hack [the robots] and make them mine! [The remaining humans] will be servants.
What’s your favorite thing about Mines?
I’ve written [only] one essay so far and it was a comedy piece.
If you could be dropped into any TV show, movie, or video game, what would it be and why?
I’d be in [the video game] “Aces High” because I like to fly a lot and I’m picky about my physics. It’s an online World War II dogfighting game with perfect physics. Perfect.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Rush and Portishead.
Do you have any plans yet for the future?
[I’m aiming to be in the] Marine Corps and hopefully flight school, [then] be a fighter pilot.
Anything else people should know about you?
I’m an ordained minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I have the certificate and everything.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Who is John Dalton?” [from the novel] “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand.
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