The Mac Weekly

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Spotlight

Julia Reardon, otherwise known as "Angry J," has earned a reputation that precedes her. Whether she's at a football game or in Cafe Mac, people often wonder, "why doesn't that girl smile?" We sat down with the woman herself and found that for Julia, happiness can be found in something as small as a plain bagel.

How did you get the nickname "Angry J" and do you think it holds true?

JR: Nicholas G. Honan gave it to me freshman year. Apparently because I always looked so pissed off. It's a misconception that I'm angry. I mean, I do get angry sometimes, but mainly I just look like I am.

What's the most intimidating thing you have ever said to someone?

I say intimidating things all the time without even realizing it. People that know me can handle it - they know I don't really mean it.

Have you ever gotten into a physical fight with someone?

I guess last semester when I was abroad in Scotland there was an incident. I don't really remember it, but apparently I got a little offended when a girl got in my way at a crowded bar and I pushed her. She later got her revenge and threw a glass at my head.

Did your reputation follow you abroad?

I tried to tone it down in Scotland. It made me a friendlier person. My Canadian friends didn't really understand. They are a peace loving people and they don't really get American arrogance.

Do think you are a friendlier person now?

Yeah, for sure. I'm much more social and I even gave some random freshman a ride home from Park the other day.

Is there anyone still left on your "shit list"?

Absolutely. You know who you are.

Is there anything in particular that still gets you riled up?

Michigan football. I love Michigan. And I don't care that they lost to Appalachian State. They are still the best and people need to stop talking about it. I'm doing the "Big House" for my final project at my Architecture class at St. Thomas.

How is the class? Notice any significant differences between Macalester and St. Thomas students?

St. Thomas kids are stupid. Some girl today asked if the Coliseum was built the way it looks today. The teacher had to explain to her that it was built as a full circle.

So you like Macalester?

I love Macalester, it's my home. My favorite professor is Jack Weatherford. He tells it like it is.

Any advice for this year's first year class?

Yeah, don't wear oversized sweatshirts. And don't listen to what people say, especially at Macalester - they don't know what they're talking about.

Even though you are living off campus you are still on the meal plan. What is it about Cafe Mac that you love so much?

I love Cafe Mac because I can people watch and eat my bagels.

Are bagels the only the thing you eat there?

Yeah, I only like plain bagels. I don't think I quite get my five dollars worth. I'm on the anti-Atkins diet. I eat only carbs.

Do you miss living on campus?

I miss living in Wallace. I loved Wally. Sophomore year we had a fatty nice room and a roof we used as a deck. A security guard yelled at me once in my bikini. Apparently you aren't supposed to tan out there.

So what would make you happy in 15 years?

Well, I'm an Art History major, so I plan on marrying wealthy and not having to work for a living.

You don't want to work? Have you ever had a job?

Yeah, I have had a lot of bad jobs. The best one was probably the summer after freshman year I pushed dead people around the morgue. I worked at the University of Michigan hospital- I probably walked ten miles a day pushing people on gurneys. But dead people aren't that bad, as long as you are okay with death. They can't talk to you.

What's your favorite outfit to wear around Macalester?

Big sunglasses, a cigarette, designer jeans, moccasins- Minnetonka only- and a bag big enough to carry around a small child if necessary. In winter I?like boots and my new jacket from J. Crew. I?don't wear them together, though - it's a bit too equestrian.

Do you have any regrets from your time at Macalester?

I regret if people were actually hurt by my actions. They shouldn't take me so seriously.

Anything else you want to say to the Macalester community?

Yeah, you better not steal my bagels from the toaster at Cafe Mac.

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