Student Spotlight: Ben Conde

Biggest goal in life: Do epic things and help people

Can't live without: Music, water, Jimmy John’s, family and friends, and God

Favorite place on campus: My room at Clifton-Fullerton Hall

Love going to school in Chicago because: The city is my classroom - and this classroom has no boundaries.

I've always wanted to: Make a toast at a stranger's wedding

Best place to eat near campus: Duck Walk

Best place to study on campus: The Clifton/Fullerton laundry room

Thin crust or deep dish? Deep dish at Gino's East

Favorite book: Mind Gym by Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez

Favorite quote: "The goal isn't to live forever. The goal is to create something that will."
- Chuck Palahniuk

Dream job: Just yo-yoing...

What do you plan on majoring in? Marketing, because I hope to one day work for my yo-yo sponsor, YoYoJam.

Tell us about your involvement in the 2011 World Yo-Yo Contest: I have participated in the World Yo-Yo contest since I was six years old. After winning “World’s Best” titles in my age group for several years, I began competing at the top level. In 2011, I made it to the Off-String Division (where the yo-yo is not attached to a string) finals. For the finals, I focused more on trying to put on a show for the crowd, rather than trying to win. I placed 4^th in the world and received “Freestyle of the Year” honors.  See me in action here. 

How long has yo-yoing been a hobby of yours? I’ve been yo-yoing since I was four years old and have been competing since 1999. I enjoy yo-yoing so much because seeing the reactions of an excited audience never gets old. The adrenaline rush on stage doesn’t compare to anything else in my life. Yo-yoing also presents me with many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. It’s also a rare talent a person can have.