April Phillips
Inweekly, 10/26/2006
For more than three years, April Phillips has volunteered as a “Big” for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. In May, the 27-year-old joined the organization as its marketing and fund-development coordinator. Now, as part of her many job duties she recruits other volunteers. Phillips discusses Regina Spektor’s latest CD, making Davis Highway traffic disappear and writing a bestseller on her loony family.
What is your greatest fear?
Disappointing myself and others.
What is the trait you must deplore?
Dishonesty.
Which person do you most admire?
My mother. She’s always been there for me, has always supported me, and has always allowed me to make my own decisions, even though she didn’t always agree with my choices. I am a stronger person today because of her.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Sleep. I get an absurd amount of sleep, but it’s still not enough!
What is your favorite journey?
Life, love and all that comes with each.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Humility. I loathe arrogance and conceit, but I also think more people should take pride in their accomplishments.
When and where are you most comfortable?
I’m most comfortable napping with my boyfriend on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I knew how to sing. A high school boyfriend once told me: “April, you have such a pleasant speaking voice, but once you open your mouth to sing, all the dogs in the neighborhood start howling.”
Who do you want to play you in a movie on your life?
Reese Witherspoon, since my life has not been nearly provocative enough for my first choice – Scarlett Johansson.
What do you consider your greatest failure?
I don’t think I’ve had many failures. Everything happens for a reason, even the things that disappoint me.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I was 14 and had just jumped off the highest diving board at UWF when I heard the lifeguard’s whistle. I looked up to see him waving his hands and pointing at me and looked down to see my swimsuit top floating below my chin. I had just learned how to swim the summer before, so I was already struggling to get to the ladder. Now, I was struggling topless.
What is your dream job (not your current one)?
Doing public relations for a major PR firm or editorial work for a fashion or women’s magazine.
What is your favorite song?
It’s hard for me to pick ONE favorite song. I’m hooked on Regina Spektor’s new record, “Begin to Hope.”
What do you most value in friends?
I admire brutal honesty from my friends and loved ones, but make sure you fit into one of those categories before you go “telling me like it is.”
What do you most dislike?
Intolerance, hatred and hypocrisy. Unfortunately, this area has no shortage of all three.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
Not a thing. All the far-fetched components of a Douglas Coupland or Chuck Palahniuk novel are there, except this is my real family. I’m going to be rich because of those loonies one day.
What have you learned in life?
I believe that life is a series of seasons. Goals change and careers, friends and lovers come and go – each has its season. You must enjoy life’s seasons while they last and allow them to pass, if and when the time comes.
What is the last book you read?
“Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto” by Chuck Klosterman.
What super power would you like to have?
I want Magneto’s power to control all forms of magnetism. So long to traffic jams on Davis Highway and Interstate-10 eastbound!
What is your motto?
You can’t regret something, if you become a better person because of it.
