| The Alumni Interview Self Reflections By Scott Spilky Dave Eggers '92 sits on the long, concrete bench at the north edge of the Quad with a pained look on his face, refusing to strike a pose the photographer wants. Before a single click can go off, Eggers wants to establish that any photos taken of him won't be sold anywhere. After some reassurances, Eggers sits glumly while the photographer shoots for a few minutes. Finally, Eggers asks if they are done yet. The photographer wants to take a couple more shots inside the Illini Union, but then Eggers is recognized by a student. Is he the Dave Eggers? she wants to know. Eggers says he is, and he stands on the Illini Union patio for a few moments, thoughtfully listening to the girl tell him the reasons why his memoir, "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius," means so much to her and a friend. Eggers thanks her and tells her about the appearances he'll be making on campus. She leaves, and he steps inside the Union. For Eggers, being famous isn't always easy. Sometimes, he says, it's hard to balance what others expect of you while remaining true to yoursel£ Only a few years ago, he was just a regular student on the UI campus working at The Daily Illini and taking painting and journalism classes. Now he has been invited back to his Alma Mater to talk about his work as part of the "Exploring the Human Experience" program leading up to this year's commencement address by poet Maya Angelou. With his thick mass of dark, curly hair, wearing torn, paint-splattered pants, a dark shirt and scuffed brown leather shoes, Eggers still looks more like a student than an acclaimed author. | |
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