LAUREN HOBAR
Staff Writer
After attending Catholic school for 12 years, A.J. Kabage left his hometown north of “fog capital” San Francisco to study creative writing at Pepperdine. Kabage, now a senior, enjoys watching Monty Python and has a laugh that could set off car alarms. He attended the Florence program in 2004-2005 and found significance in the family heritage of some of his travels.
Today, he compares himself to a dog, citing the definitive Canis Familiaris attributes of humor and loyalty. Some might think that calling someone a dog might be insulting, but Kabage said he doesn’t see it that way at all.
“You sure picked an odd day to interview me,” he said.
Why? What happened?
So I walked into the Sandbar, and I see a picture of myself dressed as Monty Python Flasher from Halloween two years ago. It’s on at least four of the computer screens in there — me in a trench coat and a “boo” sign.
So you were in Florence? What stands out?
For our fall field trip, we went to Sicily. First day, we climbed to Mt. Etna, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is really cool. I’m standing on the same dirt my grandparents stood on 60 years ago.’
You’re Italian?
Half. I prefer Sicilian.
What are you going to do when you graduate? Write science fiction?
Um, yeah, on the side. I want to go to pharmacy school.
What is your biggest fear about graduating?
Losing touch with close friends.
Has it hit you yet?
It hit me when I saw the announcement for spring registration. I really only had eight months left.
What about ‘Monty Python?’
I remember seeing it right before high school and I thought, ‘This is really ridiculous and funny.’
What do you use as fodder for your writing?
A combination between TV, movies and my friends from home.
Do you base any of your characters on your friends?
Well, the play I’m writing right now revolves around this guy who thinks he’s a pirate.
And this is based on one of your friends?
(My friend is) very pirate-esque. He wears a vest and a bandana. He brings a sword with him for no apparent reason. He wore his new boots to the first day of his job.
Where did he work?
Kinko’s.
What is the first impression people have of you?
What’s with the guy with the evil laugh?
What’s your role in your family?
I’m the crazy one. I’m the butt of and the creator of the jokes.
What’s an ideal day for you?
Get up late. Have a nice lunch. Watch some ‘Family Guy.’ Make a really nice dinner. Go see a good movie.
What’s your favorite movie?
Tie between ‘Dogma’ and ‘Anchorman.’
Do you think you’re different than you were when you came to Pepperdine?
I’m not as naive about life in general. I have a better grip of what goes on in the real world. Well, sort of, because this is just barely a shade of the real world.
Who’s your favorite teacher here?
Dr. (Michael) Collings. I can understand his geekiness.
What’s your definition of a geek?
Me. Somebody who enjoys doing something that the greater population might not consider cool.
11-10-2005