By Torie Wright, Icon Intern

15 minutes with Christian Downey, a 1995 graduate of Bluffton High School.

You recently graduated from The Ohio State University at Lima with a BA in English. How have you been utilizing your degree?

Well, my BA is in English, so I have been asking people, “Would you like fries with that?” In all seriousness, I took time off for the summer and had a job waiting on tables. As school has started, I began substitute teaching developmentally disabled children. I must have been doing a proficient job, because they have recently offered me a full time position at their school; I did accept.

How does it feel to be out of school?

There hasn’t been that much change for me. As for my education, it has been broken into segments, which I advise no one of doing. It has been a relief to finally receive my four-year degree, after eight years of part-time school and work. I am excited to begin a new chapter in my life, but I do miss the many friends I made at The Ohio State University at Lima.

What do you do in your free time?

Currently, I am working on learning the art of teaching and lesson planning, but I also enjoy movies, trips to Columbus, and video games when not in the classroom.

What are your plans for the future? Are you going to attend graduate school?

I am currently looking to begin a Master's of Fine Arts in creative writing, once I am accepted to a program. I wish to study abroad for this, so I am currently applying to a University in Dublin Ireland.

What is your dream job?

The job I would like the most is to be the person in a publishing firm who accept or rejects fiction novel submissions. I enjoy reading and would love to be paid for this.

What is your all-time favorite novel?

I actually have two. For a more philosophical novel, which makes me analyze life and deep topics of alienation, my choice would be "Giovanni’s Room," by James Baldwin. If I just want to sit down, enjoy a book, and go on an emotional rollercoaster, I would choose "Interview with a Vampire," by Anne Rice.

What is the latest movie you’ve watched?

The last movie I watched was "The Grand Hotel Budapest," which was delightfully funny, fast paced, and slightly risqué.

Do you have any advice for students who are getting ready to graduate college?

I would suggest to students who are getting ready to graduate to plan ahead for your future. You can do this by beginning your job search early. Utilize every tool your university offers through their career services.

Once you graduate, take time for yourself. You have accomplished a lot, so go on that European cruise or ride your bike across America. Take some time to do something you always wanted to do now, because the real world will begin faster than you know.