Annie Yu: How did you find yourself at New Paltz?
Keron Lewis: I was choosing where to go for college. My parents just kind of sprung it on me and said, “All right, you’re going here,” and I thought, “Okay, I’ll see what I can do with it.” I’ve dabbled with it a little bit about transferring but I fell in love with New Paltz. That was in 2005, it’ll be five years going on six in 2011.
AY: What is it about New Paltz that you love so much?
KL: New Paltz just has this home-like environment. It’s very small and not as fast-paced as the city. I feel like I can just relax and go at my own pace. There’s also lots of amazing people.
AY: What’s your favorite place in town?
KL: Over the summer, I started to like the Rail Trail. I used to dog sit for my friend so I would just take her there. I also like Cuddy’s. I know everyone there, so it’s, like my spot.
AY: What do you like to do when you’re not on campus?
KL: If it’s not photography, it’s messing with my bike or car. That’s my true passion – cars and motorcycles.
AY: With the holidays coming up, is there anything you’re particularly excited about or looking forward to?
KL: Definitely looking forward to New Year’s. I’m building a website about my photography and I’m going on a bunch of snowboarding trips. I’m going to Vermont with my friend Frank. I’ve always wanted to go to Mount Killington.
AY: Any resolutions for the New Year?
KL: My main resolution is to stay focused, make enough money to pay my bills and get a new motorcycle. That’s number one on my agenda, get a new motorcycle. I also plan on opening a photography studio in Poughkeepsie. My ultimate goal is to make six figures by the time I’m 25. That’s what I’ve been telling everyone. So, I have two years to do that.
AY: How close are you to making those six figures?
KL: (Laughs). I’m quite far away, but I’ll get there sooner or later. That’s why 2011 is gonna be a hell of a year.