Emily Stack Davis stands in front of the Student Union. Courtesy | Hillsdale College
In this Quick Hits, Executive Director of Media Outreach and Public Relations Emily Stack Davis talks hidden talents, British sitcoms, and knitting.
If you could get rid of any genre of music what would it be?
I’d only keep Jethro Tull and Glen Gould’s Bach recordings. Everything else is moot. I’m not much of a musician so this is less of me being snobby and more of me having a limited, soulless scope.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My family is really small but really close. In the summers we would stay at a family cottage on Good Harbor Bay and read books in hammocks and watch the waves and the sunsets. My mom painted tractors and cars and wee people on small flat rocks for my brother and I to play with in the sand. Years later we would still find those.
What is one piece of advice you would give to students?
Can I quote Dr. Kalthoff, circa 2001, as written in my freshman planner? “Don’t reduce yourself to grades and marketability.” As a now-parent though — pay some attention to your grades and give some thought to a future paycheck.
What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Pretending like I’m homesteading. We make some cheese, we bake some bread, we search for an overgrown orchard grown by an old man with suspenders who picks heritage varietals from a wooden A-frame ladder. Let’s be honest; this is what all the Hillsdale moms are doing.
What book are you reading right now?
Yesterday I finished “Shogun,” a recommendation from my work team. I have two hours left on Massie’s “Peter the Great,” and I have another paperback on my bed stand. It’s almost fall, so I will start my annual read-through of Wallace Stegner soon.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I’ve done over 120 scuba dives to date and the best so far was the Galapagos.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Traveling with 5 kids. I never thought I’d have children and they are my great joy.
What do you wish you had more time to do?
Paint in my art room.
What is a goal you are working toward?
Professional knitter certification
What is one person you look up to the most?
My mom. She’s the heart of our family.
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
I started one. It began with my Polish aunts and the husbands they met at polka fests. Mark Helprin gave me a low A on the first chapter. For “Emily 2003,” this was very exciting. I return to it, mostly when I’m at my wit’s end.
What never fails to make you laugh?
Classic British broadcasting company sitcoms.
What do you wish you learned sooner?
You can do everything, you just don’t have to do it all at once.
What trait defines most who you are?
Tiramisu because it has multiple layers and is a little boozy. Oh wait, you said trait. My friend says to write “uncanny savvy,” so let’s go with that.
What motivates you?
Winning.