Justin Ellis

Q&A with Justin:

Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?
I grew up in Long Island, New York and went to Smithtown Christian School, Smithtown, New York.

Who’s in your family and what was your favorite toy to play with as a kid?
My mom, stepdad, brother, sister and three step-sisters. And Legos—I absolutely loved my Legos.

Who is your favorite superhero and why?
The Power Rangers are my favorite—you should not have to ask why.

Coolest place you’ve traveled so far?
Prague, Czech Republic.

What is your favorite book?
And what’s on your iPod right now? Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne and Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller. And these days, I’m listening to a lot of John Mayer.

Who do you respect more than anyone else?
My dad—he was my true hero.

Favorite sport?
It’s a toss-up between basketball and football. In fact, I love playing these sports in the Bennett Center or on the quad.

Which is your favorite beach in the Gordon area?
And what ice cream would you travel great distances for? I don’t think I am allowed to say anything except Singing Beach; I might get fired if I don’t. And hand’s down—Richardson’s Ice Cream!

Favorite class as a student at Gordon?
Anything taught by Sharon Ketcham!

Why was Gordon the best fit for you?
It helped mold me into a complete person—the environment and atmosphere developed me not just as a student but as an individual. It contained so many aspects of who I wanted to become and ways that I could grow into that person.

Do you have any advice for high school students about college?
Take the process of finding your college seriously! These next four years could be some of the most important years of your life. Where you go to college could be the door to where you go for the rest of your life. Make sure you take the decision seriously and determine where you want to go, not only for the education but what it offers in terms of developing you as an entire person!