Academy freshman Darius Zhang hopes to debug the source code of the simulation we've all been obliviously living in. As someone pursuing various facets of art and tech, Zhang has an admiration for music and fashion entrepreneur Virgil Abloh, and DJs when he isn't in school. 

What does being at the Academy mean to you? 
It means learning about multiple things I'm interested in at the same time rather than just doing one specific major, a lot more time and resources to explore the world and work on so many different projects. 

What is something about the way the world works that bothers you? How would you disrupt it? 
It's been mathematically proven that we are living in a computer simulation. I guess we have to debug it to find out. 

What are three goals you have for this year? 
1. Learn to draw 
2. Learn more about music production 
3. Become a resident DJ at a club 

Who is the most impressive famous person alive today? Why? 
Subjectively, to me, Virgil Abloh is the most impressive. He's doing so well in both the music and fashion industry. 

Let's say you were miraculously provided $1,000,000 in seed funding tomorrow, what would you create? 
I would create a brain-computer interface that lets you control everything with a thought.

If you could ask advice from any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them? 
I would talk to John Pemberton, the guy that invented Coca Cola. The formula of coke remains to be the world's biggest mystery.

Describe one thing most people don't know about you? 
I'm secretly left-handed. 

What is one thing your parents taught you that you'd like to share? 
Do whatever you want as long as it doesn't harm others or yourself. 

What will your future self accomplish?
Happiness 

What are the essential things you always keep in your backpack? 
My mobile tripod, Ziploc bags, a pen, and most importantly, water. 

Favorite app or website? 
Google. I have a lot of questions. 

If you could be best friends with one fictional character who would it be? 
Garrick Ollivander. I've always wanted to be a wand-making master. 

Thus far, what is your favorite place to hang out in or around campus? 
I'm not sharing any information about my secret spot!

Thanks, Darius

FRESH Encounters: Darius Zhang