Interview Assignment: John Leary

Interview Assignment: John Leary

John Leary is a very cheerful and hospitable young man. Having a father who came from a military background, he traveled greatly during his early years. He was born in Subic Bay, Philippines, in the province of Zambales, after which his family moved to Japan. When he was four years old, they moved ( Permanently ) to San Diego where John went to Montgomery High School.

After having graduated from Montgomery High School in 1996, John went on to attend UCLA for four years, graduating in the year 2000 with a Bachelors Degree in American Literature and Culture. During his time in UCLA, he participated in the ROTC program of the Air Force.

Coming from a military background, along with having the desire to serve his country, John joined the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant (O-1). His primary duties were to tend to their communications network and manage deployment operations. After serving for five years and three months, he left with the rank of Captain for “stability”, and “freedom”, ultimately chasing a goal in writing. When asked whether he regretted leaving the Air Force, he stated he had “no regrets”; feeling only nostalgia for his previous career.

Pursuing his goal to be an author/writer, John then attended a Masters Program in Prescott College ( In his words a “distance learning” type of school. ), which he ultimately had to leave citing family issues (e.g; his grandmother was ill), along with publication issues. He left the program with only a thesis away, admitting he felt some sort of ‘regret’/ for not finishing. As of now, he is working on ‘harnessing’ his voice. His literary interests are fueled by his inspiration from classic and contemporary writers including; Shakespeare, John Milton, and George R. R. Martin

Having discussed his education and career, John delved deeper into his personal life. Regarding his relationship with his parents, he stated that he is more close and open with his mother ( describing her as ‘nurturing’ ), citing the role she played in the multitude of important decisions he has made throughout his life (e.g; UCLA/Joining the Air Force.). His relationship with his father is more formal. However, his father gave him resolute consolement when he was in doubt of joining the Air Force ROTC program (A decision that would prove invaluable when he joined the Air Force after graduating. ); proclaiming for his son to “Do what makes you happy.”.

Being a 35 year old young man who has accomplished much during his younger years, John complimented me my own youth and direct goals; urging me to cherish and value them. He is very humble and direct, having a playful, but also professional, demeanor about him. He now attends Southwestern College to further his educational goals.

He also sports a nice beard. A beard that provides an aura of wisdom and pure manliness. Though do not let this fool you; he is a very kind person who has a sense of humility about him. He is an educated leader, yet still very humble and friendly.