Who am I? This is a question best asked before one begins writing their own “About” section. I have to answer honestly, however: I do not know. People are dynamic collections of various shards of identity, and my writing can only give you a limited answer to that question. But surrendering to this idea doesn’t make for satisfying reading.
To start, I have no idea where I’m “from.” I was born in California, I grew up in Oregon, and – prior to shipping off to university – I lived in Sasebo, Japan. Nowadays, I spend my time in between San Luis Obispo, California and Rota, Spain. If any one of these places seems more like the place I’m “from,” feel free to let me know.
I’ll tell you what I do know: I’m a musician, a writer, an occasional philosopher (when I’m feeling especially insufferable), an amateur political scientist (until I finish this damn degree!), a reader of history, a Wikipedian, and a freelance web designer. I enjoy playing guitar, making and listening to music, writing, reading, learning languages, and discovering new things to learn. As odd as this may sound coming from a part-time recluse, I also enjoy being around people. Not that you asked, but I consistently test as an ENFP on the Meyers-Brigg inventory. In short, I wear just about any hat I can fit on my head.
Another thing that might be of interest (or at least serve to pad this about section) is that “Jack” is actually just a nickname. My real name is John Frank Semancik, V. Yes, that includes the comma. As you might expect of someone sharing a name with four other people, I needed something to make myself distinct. Even still, I would never trade this name for the world – and it certainly beats being named William (full offense to all the Wills and Bills reading this).
I currently attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (or Cal Poly if you don’t have much time), where – as I alluded to above – I am pursuing a degree in Political Science. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a “great time” to be studying political science; it is a very scary one. Regardless, I am forever grateful for the insights it provides – no matter how frightening their conclusions may be. By the way, did you know we live in a society?
I previously worked as Web Director, content writer, and On-Air DJ for Cal Poly’s radio station, KCPR 91.3FM. If you’re curious to see the site that once was powered by my blood, sweat, and tears (mostly tears), you can head on over to kcpr.org. If you want to read one of the two articles I contributed back in the day, click here! In addition to this, I was at one point an opinion columnist for Cal Poly’s Mustang News, where I wrote on a variety political topics.
Don’t worry, if you’re curious about my beliefs – political, philosophical, musical, or otherwise – you’re all but guaranteed to find them in a blog post on this site if you stick around long enough. I guarantee they’ll stay exactly the same forever. Always.
With that, I begin my takeover of the digital world! Imagine maniacal laughing here.