Proust Questionnaire with Kelsea McCoy

Kelsea McCoy outside before school, walking into the building from senior lot.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I feel like there is no such thing as perfect happiness. I would say when nothing in my life is giving me anxiety.”

What is your greatest fear?

Reaching my ideal life with people I love and then losing it all.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Sometimes I put aside what I want for the comfort of others.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I hate people who are not socially aware and do not think about others.

Which living person do you most admire?

Michelle Obama.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My phone. All the technology is expensive.

What is your current state of mind?

Overwhelmed and anxious constantly.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Morality, there are multiple different ways you can think of it. It is different for everyone. It is not like a singular virtue. I feel like it can be interpreted differently.

Which living person do you most despise?

Putin, I really do not love Putin.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

I like somebody who can laugh at themselves. Anyone who takes themselves too seriously irritates me.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Having the same sense of humor as me. Being able to laugh.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Girl.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My family. I feel like you could have no greater love than for your family. My friends too.

When and where were you happiest?

5th grade and [before] that. I would say when I was younger, things were simpler.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to sing.

Photo, Kelsea McCoy
Kelsea McCoy arriving at school in her car.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would want to be smarter. Better at something specific so I would know what I want to do.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Making varsity softball.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A bird. A sandpiper can spend all their day at the beach—and they can fly.

Where would you most like to live?

In a city; maybe NYC or Washington DC.

What is your most treasured possession?

I have this box where I keep every single card I have gotten from every family member and friend.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When you have nothing left, you lose everyone, you have nothing left to live for.

What is your favorite occupation?

Veterinarian—spend all day with animals.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I like to have fun. I feel like I have a good sense of humor.

What do you most value in your friends?

We are always on the same page. We fit each other’s vibes and we can always have fun together even if that is sitting in a car chatting. Whatever we do is fun no matter what.

Who are your favorite writers?

Jane Austen.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Hermione Granger because she is cool and very strong.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My mom is my hero.

What are your favorite names?

Adeline, Addy—I like unique names.

What is it that you most dislike?

I dislike getting older.

What is your greatest regret?

Some friendships I had I wished they ended on a less sour note.

How would you like to die?

I would like to die peacefully, at an old age, in my bed.

What is your motto?

When you can, take the high road.