NJP (Nice Jewish Person) Keats Dolgin!

Each month, The Well highlights an amazing (and eligible!) individual.
This month, we have a conversation with NJP Keats Dolgin!

TW: How did you decide to make your adult life in Metro Detroit?
KD: I didn't really decide to, it just sort of happened. I was born in Normal, IL and moved to Farmington, MI when I was six for a job opportunity my dad accepted. I grew up there, and then right out of college I received a job opportunity in Metro Detroit. Since then, I've continued to have great career opportunities around here. So between that, family and friends, I haven't had a reason to leave! :)

TW: You spend your days working for an advertising agency - what is it about that field that interests you?
KD: There's a lot of things I enjoy about it, but I think the most gratifying thing is when I'm out somewhere with friends or family and we happen to see something I worked on. It's a rush of excitement and provides a moment of pride in what I do.

TW: You're a graduate of Michigan State University. What was your favorite thing about being a Spartan?
KD: My favorite thing was the energy in East Lansing, you could feel it! Everyone there, whether an attending student or a local resident, was passionate about MSU.

TW: We heard you're a craft beer fan - what are your top 3 favorite beers?
KD: Ah, there are so many! Bell's Two Hearted is my go to when there are too many choices and I can't decide. I just recently tried Oskar Blues Old Chub scotch ale and it was AMAZING, I can't wait to have it again soon. I also enjoy a good stout. One of my recent favorites is Naughty Girl Scout from Right Brain Brewery - it's kind of like drinking an Andes mint!

TW: Where would you most like to travel to that you haven't visited?
KD: Hawaii for sure. After that, South Africa- I've always wanted to go on a safari there.

TW: How do you like to give back to the community / others?
KD: I usually do so through donations, but I recently spent a day at Gleaners Food Bank through work during the holidays. We sorted, organized and packaged food for those in need. At the end, they were able to tell us how many people we helped provide food to because of our time volunteering. It was one of the greatest feelings in the world hearing that those people in need would be getting food. I'm going back again soon and want to make it something I do, not just once a year, but as much as I can.

TW: What's your favorite Jewish holiday and why?
KD: Passover! Oddly enough, not with my family, but my best friend's family. His dad always stops people in the middle of reading the story with a joke or questions on the story, as if he hasn't heard it the last 40+ years! I have fond memories of laughter and great company. The wine doesn't hurt either. :)

TW: Fav Jewish food?
KD: Matzo ball soup, hands down!

TW: Who is the coolest Jew?
KD: I'm gonna have to say my grandma. She was the most amazing and inspiring woman I knew. And she made the best darn kugel.

TW: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
KD: Probably my career. I've worked really hard to get to where I am today and I'm in a pretty good spot.

TW: Would you rather win an Olympic Medal (for what sport?), an Academy Award (in what category?), or Nobel Prize (in what)?
KD: An Academy Award for best picture because that's the biggest award, right?!

TW: How about a fun fact?
KD: I get asked where my name comes from ALL the time. So in case you were wondering, here you go... I'm named after the poet, John Keats. My dad is an English professor, so he's into literature and poetry. John Keats is one of his favorites, so he and my mom decided to name me after him.

TW: Best movie ever made, hands down?
KD: Jurassic Park! I love dinosaurs and the theme song! Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Classic.

TW: Finish the sentence: When I go to The Well...
KD: I'm excited to meet new people and see the ones I've recently met from previous Well events! When I leave the Well... I feel good!