Mike Ormiston, Prospect Consultant, The Ohio State University

What was your first job?

I worked as a dishwasher in the dining halls of Miami University, where I am still considered a dishwashing legend. Ask anyone in Oxford, Ohio, who the best dishwasher in Miami University history is, and if they don’t say my name, they’re probably new to town. There’s no need to get upset with this supposed “Oxford resident” that you’re talking to, but c’mon, that was an easy question you asked them.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it?

I wanted to be a baseball player when I grew up, and although I am now grown but do not play professional baseball, I do think that collecting baseball cards and looking through baseball stats was helpful in spurring my interest in statistics/math, which I use often. I remain willing to sign a team-friendly deal with any baseball club looking for a player with delusions of grandeur.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do or where you work?

My favorite thing about my job is that it frequently offers me opportunities to learn something new. The process of going from ignorance to understanding is rewarding for me, and my coworkers walk me through that process all of the time. Also, my coworkers are my favorite type of teachers – the type with a playful sense of humor.

Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?

I’d like to visit the Pacific Northwest (Portland & Seattle) because I’ve never been to that region of the U.S. and I’ve heard that it’s beautiful. I’d also like to go to Spain because I’m intrigued by their late-night dinners, and I took some Spanish classes, so maybe I can communicate with slightly more ease than I’d be able to in other foreign countries.

Is pineapple an acceptable pizza topping?

I accept it, but it wouldn’t be one of my top choices. I think it would also need to be paired with some other topping, like ham, for me to be into it. Ordering pineapple-only pizza seems like some kind of act of defiance to me, although I’m sure whoever does that is just following their taste buds.