If you had to teach something, what would you teach? I’d teach cultural or linguistic anthropology. The best teachers I’ve had are the ones who are truly passionate about the subject matter. I’d want to teach a subject I felt I could do jus- tice to in that respect.
What is your least favorite quote? I really disliked the quote, “It is what it is.” I find it terribly inconclusive.
Which is your least favorite season? It’s hard to say which season I like the least. Each season brings such unique beauty and excitement.
What is your take on facial hair? I think the level of success of one’s facial hair is really quite subjective. Some guys can rock it while others are better off with a clean shave. As long as it’s clean and groomed, no major offense is taken.
Which cartoon character is your favorite and why?
I became a big Disney fan at an early age. Whether I was watching a movie or running around Disney World with my family, I’ve al- ways been captivated by the magic and the stories behind Disney’s classic cartoons. As such, I’d have to say Pocahontas is my favorite.
What movie title best describes your life? It’s a Wonderful Life, Life is Beautiful, or perhaps The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (laughs)
Are you a morning person or a night person? Hmmm. I don’t think I’d categorize myself as either, to be honest. I will reserve judgment for whether or not I should be concerned about that for a later time.
If Wolverine and Spiderman got in a fight, who would win and why? I think I’d have to put my money on Wolverine. Being from Michigan, as well as a University of Michigan student, I’d be remiss if I didn’t lean in that direction. With the additional consid- eration of my slight case of arachnophobia, Spiderman just isn’t my guy.
Which Lord of the Rings movie was the best and why? For sheer viewing experience, I’d have to say the first film was my favorite. My dad and I read the trilogy together when I was young and they quickly became my favorite books. Seeing the story come to life in the first film was so exciting after having developed such an affinity for the story through the books.
Who or what inspires you, and why? I’m most inspired by my friends and family. I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by in- credible people with an array of qualities and talents to be admired and inspired by.
What is the most rewarding experience you have had, and what made it so? Being a part of Classroom Champions is cer- tainly among my most rewarding experienc- es, thus far. We’ve learned so much through- out our career, not only about figure skating and athletics, but about life. Being able to share our experiences and hope to inspire the kids we’ve been working with has been truly special.
If you only had one week to live, what would you try to accomplish? If I had one week to live, I think I’d try to see the world with my family. In addition to seeing the incredible places I have yet to see, I would
want to spend the time sharing thoughts and experiences with my loved ones.
What best lifts your spirits when life gets you down? My family. I’ve always been very close with my family and I find that even a short amount of time spent with my family makes me feel like everything is OK.
What do you want our legacy as American ice dancers to be? I think I’d most like to be remembered for our work ethic and the passion that we bring to the ice. We love what we do and I’m proud of the way we’re always trying to grow and be the best we can be.
Meryl, on Charlie
The key to our partnership is that we have the same work ethic. We share the same goal and are both willing to go the distance to achieve it. Charlie has a great balance between work- ing really hard and having fun. When it’s time to get down to business, he does; but he always knows when to lighten the mood if I’m feeling a little stressed out. Charlie’s al- ways good at making your day a bit brighter. I think that’s something that he’s brought to the team that’s really helped us to not only do really well, but also enjoy the process over the years.
Meryl’s questions for Charlie
What has skating with a partner for almost your whole life taught you about relation- ships? We’ve been together for over 15 years now, and I think what I’ve learned the most is the