10 Questions with Stephen Jagoe

By Elizabeth Guckian

This month, our “10 Questions” feature is with Stephen Jagoe, a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania. Stephen has spent all nineteen years of his life living in Chatham with his parents, two brothers, and one sister. He attended Oak Knoll Lower School and Delbarton, and is now a double major in physics and classics at UPenn. While he is not yet sure what exactly he wants to do after college, Stephen is a driven student with a passion for service, as shown through his involvement with St. Patrick’s Youth Ministry and his on-campus activities. As a summer job, Stephen has worked at The Farm at Green Village, which he has enjoyed very much.

What made you choose UPenn and what’s your favorite part about it?

I liked the idea of going to school in Philadelphia. It’s just far enough away that I feel like I’m living on my own but can also visit home easily. Also, the history of the city makes it an interesting place to live and go to school.

What made you choose to major in physics and classics?

At Delbarton, I had excellent teachers in both Physics and Latin who challenged me and encouraged me to continue my studies in college. Each subject is interesting in its own way and I couldn’t decide which one I enjoyed more.

What are you involved in on campus?

On campus I’m involved in the Newman Center, our Catholic student ministry. I’m also a member of a fraternity, ΣΑΜ, and the rock climbing group at the school gym.

How long have you been working at The Farm and what do you do there?

This summer was my second working at The Farm. I do everything from watering and weeding to driving the tractors and delivery trucks.

What’s your favorite part about working there, and do you have any interesting stories from your time there?

My favorite part of working at The Farm is that I work outside all day. I see all sorts of interesting wildlife at work. One time a snapping turtle was trying to cross the street toward our pond and caused quite a traffic jam when it got stuck underneath a car. Eventually, we had to use a car jack to lift the car off the turtle and get it to the pond safely.

What are your fondest memories of growing up in Chatham?

My mom, siblings, and I used to walk to the library during the summer. Afterward we would go to the playground or stop at Liberty Drug for ice cream. I also loved playing rec sports and watching my siblings’ games.

What are your hobbies, passions, or interests?

I love to listen to and play music. I took piano lessons for 10 years and after I stopped, I picked up a bunch of other instruments. I recently started taking violin lessons.

Any favorite Chatham restaurants or stores?

My favorite restaurants in Chatham are Mitsubah and Chianti.

What place is at the top of your travel bucket list?

I’d love to go to Yellowstone National Park or anywhere out west really. I put Yellowstone at the top of my list because I love to hike. I’d also like to go California to see Yosemite and Joshua Tree.

If you were shipped to a deserted island for 6 months, what album, book, or movie would you bring?

My favorite album is In Between Dreams by Jack Johnson; I could listen to it forever. For a book I would bring The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac.