It’s on the House
Maddie House
Basement Medicine spoke with freshman Maddie House, a dual-athlete, playing soccer and basketball, and environmental advocate for the beautiful world around her. House is from Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey and loves her bulldog, Meatball. She dominates on the field, controls the court, and spreads peace and harmony wherever she goes.
What obsesses you?
Something that I think about a lot is what I can do to make a difference. When I have free time, I try to make others feel wanted, that’s my goal in life and when I spread my love, I feel that good karma will come back. If more people had that mindset, I think the world would be a better place.
Something that I think about a lot is what I can do to make a difference. When I have free time, I try to make others feel wanted, that’s my goal in life and when I spread my love, I feel that good karma will come back. If more people had that mindset, I think the world would be a better place.
What would you do for a Klondike bar?
For a Klondike bar? I think I would attempt to do a backflip and see what goes from there. I can’t really do that, but I’d do a 360-degree spin then dunk.
For a Klondike bar? I think I would attempt to do a backflip and see what goes from there. I can’t really do that, but I’d do a 360-degree spin then dunk.
What’s your superpower?
My superpower is being a woman because I am very proud of my gender and we need to embrace it and empower others. I think it’s really important to empower and lift up others surrounding you rather than comparing yourself to others. We as women are all in this together and should treat each other like sisters. Love one another.
My superpower is being a woman because I am very proud of my gender and we need to embrace it and empower others. I think it’s really important to empower and lift up others surrounding you rather than comparing yourself to others. We as women are all in this together and should treat each other like sisters. Love one another.
Does this superpower apply to the sports you play?
I think the lessons I have learned within sports actually has a lot to do with my confidence. Competing teaches you how to be strong and persevere no matter if it is with your team or in your daily life.
I think the lessons I have learned within sports actually has a lot to do with my confidence. Competing teaches you how to be strong and persevere no matter if it is with your team or in your daily life.
If you were a superhero, what would your weapon of choice be?
My weapon would be medicine to heal the wounded. I wouldn’t hurt anyone.
My weapon would be medicine to heal the wounded. I wouldn’t hurt anyone.
What is your favorite piece of clothing that you own?
My mom gave this pair of overalls that warms my heart to know how similar we are and it is nice to have a pair of hers here with me. They are a nice pair of vintage denim that I wear all the time.
My mom gave this pair of overalls that warms my heart to know how similar we are and it is nice to have a pair of hers here with me. They are a nice pair of vintage denim that I wear all the time.
If you could go back in time, what time period would you go to?
Definitely the 50s, to try to make my voice heard when the Civil Rights movement was starting, and I could see myself getting involved with that process.
Definitely the 50s, to try to make my voice heard when the Civil Rights movement was starting, and I could see myself getting involved with that process.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Everything happens for a reason.” That is so true. If you look at life like that, then your mindset will be a lot more aware of your surroundings.
“Everything happens for a reason.” That is so true. If you look at life like that, then your mindset will be a lot more aware of your surroundings.
And the worst?
The worst is when people say, “It’s always been like this.” Now that is very detrimental to society because we need to understand that the only constant is change and you need to let life happen and not stress about planning it out. It is not very accurate to say that things are always like this because everything is constantly evolving.
The worst is when people say, “It’s always been like this.” Now that is very detrimental to society because we need to understand that the only constant is change and you need to let life happen and not stress about planning it out. It is not very accurate to say that things are always like this because everything is constantly evolving.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I have a bulldog named Meatball, who I miss very much. He is a huge part of my life and for one day I would want to be an English Bulldog so I could chill and sleep all day. He makes me so happy and I even have a pair of Vans that I customized that I put him on. I Facetime him too.
Would you rather have one horse-sized duck or ten duck-sized horses?
First of all, the image of that just has me laughing so much. I think I would rather have a bunch of tiny horses, because then they would be like ponies but be even smaller. That makes me really happy to think about.
First of all, the image of that just has me laughing so much. I think I would rather have a bunch of tiny horses, because then they would be like ponies but be even smaller. That makes me really happy to think about.
What do you like most about yourself?
I like that I am not really afraid to say what I feel and I think it is important to tell others what you think of them in a respectful way. If you don’t live authentically, then what are you doing? I am a very grateful person. I love life because I have the chance to ball out with some good people and have a good time. Once you create peace with your past and love yourself, life becomes a truly beautiful thing.
I like that I am not really afraid to say what I feel and I think it is important to tell others what you think of them in a respectful way. If you don’t live authentically, then what are you doing? I am a very grateful person. I love life because I have the chance to ball out with some good people and have a good time. Once you create peace with your past and love yourself, life becomes a truly beautiful thing.
Could you say why?
I am so grateful for the love that surrounds me. I think that everything truly happens for a reason and I’m comfortable and happy to be in the place that I am in now. I am thankful that the universe made sure that I was supposed to go here and only here. This school has been so welcoming and accepting, and it’s very refreshing to have more link-minded people here like me. I am very thankful for how my life has unfolded and I’m beyond appreciative of who I’ve met here and the lessons that I have learned thus far. I’m grateful for the people here because they make me feel very comfortable and that life has brought me to this exact place. You cannot have sunshine without a little rain.
I am so grateful for the love that surrounds me. I think that everything truly happens for a reason and I’m comfortable and happy to be in the place that I am in now. I am thankful that the universe made sure that I was supposed to go here and only here. This school has been so welcoming and accepting, and it’s very refreshing to have more link-minded people here like me. I am very thankful for how my life has unfolded and I’m beyond appreciative of who I’ve met here and the lessons that I have learned thus far. I’m grateful for the people here because they make me feel very comfortable and that life has brought me to this exact place. You cannot have sunshine without a little rain.
Sombrero or Fedora?
Beanie.
Beanie.
If money wasn’t an object, what would you buy?
I would probably pay for my college tuition first. I would buy my parents a car, a hybrid. The car has to be environmentally friendly, which is totally my vibe.
I would probably pay for my college tuition first. I would buy my parents a car, a hybrid. The car has to be environmentally friendly, which is totally my vibe.
What’s your favorite “Star Wars” quote?
I have never seen “Star Wars,” but Yoda is pretty cute. Sorry to everyone who loves those movies!
I have never seen “Star Wars,” but Yoda is pretty cute. Sorry to everyone who loves those movies!
What do you think other people think about you?
That’s interesting. Some people think that I’m out of it a lot of the time, but really I am thinking of what I can do to help society. A lot of people underestimate my drive. In life overall, I care to actually do something that will benefit society and feel as if not everyone understands that I want to make a difference.
That’s interesting. Some people think that I’m out of it a lot of the time, but really I am thinking of what I can do to help society. A lot of people underestimate my drive. In life overall, I care to actually do something that will benefit society and feel as if not everyone understands that I want to make a difference.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Music-wise, I like either oldies or rap. I also like reading political biographies and painting. It is important to take time out of your day to time to self-reflect and do some yoga to center yourself and stay grounded. If you do not love yourself, then you cannot love others.
Music-wise, I like either oldies or rap. I also like reading political biographies and painting. It is important to take time out of your day to time to self-reflect and do some yoga to center yourself and stay grounded. If you do not love yourself, then you cannot love others.
Most recent political biography?
I just read one of Bernie Sanders’ and it inspired me to become more aware of his campaign efforts. I would want to be him for one day if I could, and use a lesson from him to be into my present life.
What wouldn’t you do for a million dollars?
I would not do anything that would negatively affect someone’s physical or emotional state. I’m not going to hurt someone for money, and nothing could put a price on feelings.
I would not do anything that would negatively affect someone’s physical or emotional state. I’m not going to hurt someone for money, and nothing could put a price on feelings.
What makes you different?
I have a tattoo on my forearm that symbolizes growth and being content with change. Over the last year, there have been many ups and downs, but I think that life happens exactly how it is meant to happen, and firmly believe in that. That is why I wanted to have a symbol of that on my body forever.
If a film were to be made about you, who would you cast as the lead?
Amy Pohler. I really like Parks and Rec. It is so funny. I like that show and The Office, but I couldn’t see Pam (Jenna Fisher) play me.
Amy Pohler. I really like Parks and Rec. It is so funny. I like that show and The Office, but I couldn’t see Pam (Jenna Fisher) play me.
What would your last meal be?
My last meal would be dark chocolate. I don’t like sour candy, so I am a dark chocolate kind of gal. That, with a cup of green tea, would make me very happy.
My last meal would be dark chocolate. I don’t like sour candy, so I am a dark chocolate kind of gal. That, with a cup of green tea, would make me very happy.
What do you want to be written on your tombstone?
Actually, I don’t want to be buried underground. I want to donate all my organs and be made into a tree. If I were to get a tombstone, it would say “let it be” and “live life with a purpose.”
Actually, I don’t want to be buried underground. I want to donate all my organs and be made into a tree. If I were to get a tombstone, it would say “let it be” and “live life with a purpose.”
What inspires you?
My family, honestly, because I’m forever thankful for their love, support, and constantly being there for me while I’m in college right now. They have given me so many opportunities and because of that, I try to make them proud and they inspire me to be my best every day. They raised me to be a strong and independent woman. what inspires me is the love my family members, friends, coaches, and teachers provide me and use it to motivate me to make others feel loved. I am appreciative of my teachers throughout the years that were not only role models, but helped me significantly grow as a person.
My family, honestly, because I’m forever thankful for their love, support, and constantly being there for me while I’m in college right now. They have given me so many opportunities and because of that, I try to make them proud and they inspire me to be my best every day. They raised me to be a strong and independent woman. what inspires me is the love my family members, friends, coaches, and teachers provide me and use it to motivate me to make others feel loved. I am appreciative of my teachers throughout the years that were not only role models, but helped me significantly grow as a person.
Anyone else?
I would not be here if it weren’t for my parents supporting me and providing me with countless opportunities. I am beyond grateful for them along with my beautiful little sister, Alli, who is destined to do great. My best friends always have my back and I am so thankful for their support. I am appreciative of all my past coaches believing in me and teachers giving me the wisdom to take on challenges. I am thankful for my past and current coaches for believing and accepting me. If my dad didn’t coach me, I would not be where I am today. My basketball coaches gave me the confidence to play. Coach Eckman and Coach LaFrenz here at Johnson have been very reassuring with my decision to come here and it honestly has been the best thing to ever happen to me, and I am lucky to have the ability to play.
I would not be here if it weren’t for my parents supporting me and providing me with countless opportunities. I am beyond grateful for them along with my beautiful little sister, Alli, who is destined to do great. My best friends always have my back and I am so thankful for their support. I am appreciative of all my past coaches believing in me and teachers giving me the wisdom to take on challenges. I am thankful for my past and current coaches for believing and accepting me. If my dad didn’t coach me, I would not be where I am today. My basketball coaches gave me the confidence to play. Coach Eckman and Coach LaFrenz here at Johnson have been very reassuring with my decision to come here and it honestly has been the best thing to ever happen to me, and I am lucky to have the ability to play.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
The book I would bring is a survival guide. “Napoleon Dynamite” for my movie and “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson because it reminds me of my childhood because my parents would play it all the time.
The book I would bring is a survival guide. “Napoleon Dynamite” for my movie and “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson because it reminds me of my childhood because my parents would play it all the time.
You’re a new addition to a crayon box, what color would you be?
Teal.
Teal.
Why?
I dyed my hair tips because I wanted to. I think it is important to act on things you want to do because you should live life how you want to live it.
I dyed my hair tips because I wanted to. I think it is important to act on things you want to do because you should live life how you want to live it.
What is the best thing someone has ever about you?
The best thing that someone ever said about me is that I am an old soul because it was nice to have someone see me as an equal in that respect. It resonated with me, because it made me feel like that people see me for my true self.
The best thing that someone ever said about me is that I am an old soul because it was nice to have someone see me as an equal in that respect. It resonated with me, because it made me feel like that people see me for my true self.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I want people to think of me as someone who did the best that she could and spread peace wherever I went.
I want people to think of me as someone who did the best that she could and spread peace wherever I went.
About the Photographer
Allison Irons, Sports Editor
Senior, Pre-Law & Journalism
Grew up in Middle Town, NY
Fall 2019 - Present
My spirit animal is a Narwhal because they are the aquatic unicorns!
