The Proust Questionnaire, named after French writer Marcel Proust, is a series of 35 questions meant to gage the personality and values of the answerer. Janssen Transier caught up with U.S. History teacher Joseph Carcione, the latest Maculty member to sit for our version of the Proust Questionnaire.

The Shield: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Joseph Carcione: To me perfect happiness is when you’re in a particular moment, just living in that moment and appreciating it for what it is. Not worrying about the future, not regretting the past, just living in the moment.

TS: What is your greatest fear?

JC: My greatest fear would have to be losing my physical and mental health. I work really hard to keep that from happening, so it would be a shame to have my health deteriorate.

TS: What is your current state of mind?

JC: I’m in a really good place right now. Things seem to be going pretty good. Most of my life is managed pretty well, so I feel really good. Of course, If I could stay caught up on grades that would be even better.

TS: On what occasion do you lie?

JC: I don’t really lie too much, it’s more like withholding information from someone because it would be hurtful, or it’s not the right time to tell them. I try to be upfront and honest overall, but there might be times where I might omit some information, so I wouldn’t call it an explicit lie.

TS: What quality do you most like in a person?

JC: I really admire someone who can experiment and possibly fail, and the quality I most like in a person is when they do fail, being able to learn from it and improve as a person.

It’s kind of like a boxing metaphor, where if you get knocked down, are you able to get back up again?

TS: What words or phrases do you overuse the most?

JC: A class pointed out to me that I randomly put a “t” at the end of words, which I didn’t realize I did. I probably use “like” too much.

TS: When and where are you happiest?

JC: Probably at home. I really like cooking for my daughter. that’s definitely a super happy moment for me. Besides that, just being out on my bicycle riding around town on a nice day, just out and about.

TS: What’s one talent you wish you had?

JC: I would really like to play a musical instrument. I know that you can always learn, but that’s one skill I just never quite acquired. I’d also really like to be able to sing. It’d be really fun to whip out a guitar in class and sing through the lecture.

TS: What is your greatest achievement?

JC: Probably making it through this career for 21 years. I’ve taught about 18 different courses throughout my career, and I’m really happy that I’m able to work at such a good school and pursue a career I love.

TS: Where would you most like to live?

JC: I really like living in Austin, but when I retire I’ll probably move to New Orleans. I would also like to go teach in a foreign country, just to see what it’s like.

TS: What is your most treasured possession?

JC: Honestly, I’m happy with all that I have. I would treasure my relationship with other people instead of physical objects.

Interview by Janssen Transier