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Alex Keobke joined The Hudsucker as a contributor in October of 2014. The Simon Fraser University graduate has a major in Communications and a minor in Psychology. The B.C native aspires to be a marriage counselor and spends some of his time volunteering with an at-risk youths, hoping to try and make a difference in the city of Vancouver for those in need. He likes to believe that he does a fantastic version of “A Whole New World” and pretty much any old school Disney in general. In addition, the Canadian loves writing about relationships, as well as movies but ironically not romantic comedies. He is also a big fan of 90’s television, the Seattle Seahawks, and really good chocolate cake.
Connect with Alex:
Name: Alex Keobke
Nickname: Keobke (kep-key). When I was in high school I was far from the only Alex. Thankfully I was the only Keobke and the nickname stuck.
Favorite word in the English language: Sharp (don’t ask why, just love the sound of it)
Least favorite word in the English language: Literally, especially when it is used incorrectly.
Biggest strength: My ability to find strength through tough experiences. I’ve had moments where I could have grown weaker, but instead I use those experiences to grow. Also my eyes (especially if I’m in blue)
Biggest weakness: My lack of experience. I’m still getting my feet wet after graduation and with that can come growing pains. I also get easily frustrated when it’s too hot out!
Biggest pet peeve: People who eat with their mouth open. You’re ruining the experience for the rest of us!
Favorite Food: Garlic mashed potatoes. Combined with some delicious steak!
Favorite Movie: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It’s a lovely twist on a typical rom-com, and Jim Carrey kills it!
Favorite TV Show: LOST is my all time favorite show even if people hate on the ending. Right now I’m also binge watching Masterchef and Seinfeld
Favorite Musician/Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Favorite item of clothing that you just can’t live without: Seahawks jersey (Go ‘Hawks!)
Favorite sport: Football
Favorite team: Seattle Seahawks
Favorite travel destination: Maui! (though also only place I’ve been…)
Favorite fast food joint: Subway or Chipolte
Favorite season: Fall, it’s not too hot and not too cold!
Funniest thing that ever happened to you: For drama class one year I decided to lip sync the song “Funky Town” for a project. Combined with some pretty nifty dance moves, it’s safe to say I was pretty impressive (and hilarious).
Within reason, what are your craziest goals and dreams? I want to use my Mom’s battle with cancer to make an impact on others through offering support. I also want to become a marriage counselor.
Most outrageous thing you’ve ever done: I went parasailing in Maui! I’ve also gone bungee jumping a few times.
If you had to sing one song at a karaoke bar, which one would you choose? Has to be a Disney song. I’d probably open with “Go the Distance” from Hercules.
What movie title best describes your life? The Rock.
What is one of your most life-changing moments? Finding out my Mom had stage 4 cancer. While this was hard, it also brought our family closer together. It’s taught me some incredible lessons and allowed me to develop into a more complete person.
Describe yourself in a single sentence: I’m a young man whose ready to use my life experiences to impact others.
If you were a superhero, what would be your super power? Teleportation for sure!
If you were stuck on a deserted island, which one book, movie and person would you want to take along?
- Book is a tough one because I’d love The Dark Tower series but that’s 7 books. Number two choice would be The Green Mile;
- Movie would be Night at the Roxbury. I know that’s crazy but it’s my favorite comedy and I’d want to laugh;
- The person is my girlfriend. Missing her would be worse than being on the island.
If a genie granted you 3 wishes, what would they be?
- Partial ownership of the Seahawks;
- Ability to stop time (too far?);
- Eliminate cancer (and as many diseases as we can before the genie says stop).
Last Song Played on your CD player/iTunes/iPod, etc: “Mirror Man” by Ella Henderson.
What made you want to write for The Hudsucker? I loved the idea of getting the freedom to express your own thoughts. The website is made up of brilliant concepts that are wonderfully explored. Whether going off the memory bank of topics or creating your own, it allows you to assert a level of ownership.
What is your favorite article on the site and why? Our founder Tania wrote an incredibly emotional piece talking about IBD. Her ability to relate the disease and how it impacted her life, rang very true when I thought of my own piece on cancer. Writing is a powerful tool to raise awareness, and Tania did that in an incredibly impactful way.
Who is your favorite author on the site and why? There is no shortage of great content on the website. Tania’s writing can hit on so many different emotional levels and be great to see. I’m also getting into The Flash so I love seeing Nicole Drum‘s recaps. Being a big film buff, I love reading any of our talented writers as they tackle movie reviews as well.
What is one of your own favorite articles on the site and why? “What I’ve Learned From Cancer.” This was an incredibly raw look at my Mom’s battle of cancer and what I’ve taken from it. It was incredibly powerful to complete. I have hopes that I will use my experiences with my Mom and use that to help others. To be able to get those lessons in words was powerful for not only myself, but for my family to see as well.
Where do you see The Hudsucker in five years? The site continues to grow as more writers hopefully bring their ideas. The Hudsucker is built off of great ideas and they should never stop coming. As the site continues to create a supportive area for growth, there is no ceiling on how much traction the site will build.
What do you think of your fellow peers here at The Hudsucker? All of my peers are incredibly talented. I’m humbled to learn under them and see their own talents flourish.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully not on a deserted island! I’d love to be helping out relationships.
What words of advice would you give writers? Stay true to what your voice is.
Who do you look up to? My mom. Cancer cannot knock her perseverance and I won’t allow it to knock mine.
What is one of your favorite life lessons? Life is all about what you make of it. For the good and the bad, we just need to make our best of living in the moment.
Favorite quote:
“We beat the grim reaper not by living long, but by living well.” – Randy Pausch
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