Mr. Adventure: Vlad Melnik

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Q: How do you go through isolation with such an athletic build and an adventurous soul?

A: It’s not difficult at all, because old habits don’t die. Ever since school, I’ve been well trained. By the age of 16, I had a sports grade in athletics and with a dozen parachute jumps. Real adventures always require being in an excellent physical shape and not only.

Q: What motivates you to move forward with every day? and What gives you energy?

A: My passion for freedom tirelessly moves me forward. Where does my energy come from? hmm.. vodka and caviar (just joking)

Q: You have explored the island up and down, in and out, and probably know the most. What do many people not know about Saipan?

A: I wish they know how beautiful the night at the jungle is. If you never thought about spending a night in the deep jungle, then you should add it to your bucket list right now. Jungle nights can offer you a magical experience. Imagine spending your night in the middle of nature, and there’s no place more populated, noisy, and cheerful than being deep in the jungle. The view you will get is incomparable—no other place will fill your heart with more excitement, and a little fear sometimes, but in a positive way.

PHOTO BY DAVID BUTTERFIELD

Q: What would you call your most mind-blowing findings?

A: When you go into the jungle you never know what you’ll find, so all artifacts, relics from war, caves, hidden positions literally completely capture you.

Q: What can inspire people to learn more about the place they live in and their history?

A: I draw my inspiration from my local friends with incredible and inspiring real-life stories. Working with old pre-war and military maps can also serve as an excellent source of inspiration.

Q: What skill do you not have yet and you wished to have it? And what would you do with it once you had it?

A: I’d like to get a helicopter pilot’s license and then at dawn land my helicopter in the volcano crater and puff a cigar.

Q: What is the most valuable advice you received from your father?

A: My father taught me many essential life lessons like standing my ground, shoot, fish, see the true beauty of things, but most importantly, be merciful to nature. I really appreciate that.

Q: What are the top 3 things you teach your children?

A: Love books, be honest, and keep your nose in the wind.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Q: What is the most important knowledge/quality every father should have in your opinion?

A: Trust your kids more and teach them less

Q: From your point of life and experience, what is the most challenging task? Starting a fire from one match/spark, or to not fall from a cliff when exhausted and your only hope is your hand holding the edge?

A: The wisest thing is to prevent such situations. If you’re afraid of getting a rotten apple, don’t go to the barrel. Get it off the tree. Right?

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Alex Megino is a 10th grade student at Kagman High School.