The Web caught up with Ames High freshman Brian Todey for an interview about literature, his family, and the meaning of manliness.

What’s your favorite class so far?

It probably has to be English, since it has been the class that I have learned the most from.

How many different grades have you been mistaken for? Like, an 8th grader? A sophomore?

At school sophomore, junior, and once a senior. At work all the way up to a grad student.

What did you think of cross country?

It felt it was a very good experience for me to have, since it was a good way to connect with other people. Hell or high water, I’ll be on Team Mooney come the fall.

What’s your favorite 20th century author?

Kurt Vonnegut. By far.

Do you feel bad that I didn’t get into the University of Chicago?

Kind-of, sort-of. You probably deserved to get in.

If you could fight 100 duck-sized horses or a horse-sized duck, which one and why?

A horse sized duck, because it would not be very stable on it’s feet, therefore it would be slow, and I believe that a duck that size would have troubles flying. So it would probably be easier to fight.

Who is your role model?

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Tenzin Gyatso

Which of your siblings was the best, and why?

My brother Stephen, because he has introduced me to lots of different things, especially Thai, and Indian food, and he has also been a big support for me in running . He just has that certain je ne sais quoi.

On a scale of 1 to America, how free are you tonight?

Like a 7

Who’s the main woman in your life/how are you such a player?

I am a feminist, so I try to treat women with the respect that they deserve . Having good looking clothes, being a nice person, caring about social and economic problems in the world, and having confidence.

Do gentlemen prefer blondes?

Sometimes.