The Seven People: Meet the Bar Star

The Bar Star category of the Seven People article encompasses a large demographic here at Western. So let’s try and find out what the life is actually like from a real bar star.

The Bar Star from Seven People You'll Meet at Western

Many of us here at PremierLife claim to be bar stars, well those of us who are not The Promoter. We all believe that we go harder than anyone else on this campus, which I sometimes question – have you met our rugby team? Nevertheless, since I consider myself a bar star of sorts, it was tough to find someone else that I believe qualified for a profile so near and dear to my heart – just kidding, I don’t have a heart. Finally, my search ended when one name came to mind.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the best Bar Star I know (including myself): Arthur Kwok.

Like I did with the Do Gooder for this article, I presented Arthur with a list of questions and he sent me his answers…

Meet Arthur!

CM: Let’s start off easy, how do you describe yourself?

AK: I would describe myself as a social person that has many loose friends and few close friends. I’m a very open minded and accepting individual, trying never to be judgmental. I’m never short of an opinion, and when asked nicely, will share with you. I love to teach and impart wisdom onto others, but also would consider myself far from perfect, and constantly learning. I love meeting new people, as you never know how someone you just met will fit into your life.

CM: Sounds like the making of a bar star to me! But how would others describe you?

AK: Its always hard to describe oneself, so I solicited a few people to do it for me…

M.P. “A hard-worker, dedicated friend, who upon setting his sights on a task at hand will ensure its completion to the best it can be completed.”
A.E.: “Honest, down to earth guy, intelligent, insightful, and hardworking but also knows how to have a good time.”
F.J: “I would describe you in many ways. You’re friendly and outgoing, sociable and fabulous, you can tell you care about the people around you and you don’t put up with shenanigans. You’re a good hearted human being and I think it’s impossible not to smile when Arthur’s around. You’re also really knowledgable, not just books but every day life knowledge, just the whole package.”

Flattering, so I decided to ask a few individuals what my worse quality was!

Anon: “Your alcoholism.”

Anon: “You take things too personally.”

Anon: “You have a drinking problem.”

CM: I don’t know who MP, AE or FJ are but I can only hope my friends describe me with such nice words!  Tell Anon #3 that it’s not a drinking problem, it’s university. But when you’re not drunk (or maybe when you are) what extra-curriculars, if any, do you partake in?

AK: In the past I’ve been a part of the Cancer Awareness Society and the former USC HYPE promotions street team. I’d also consider DJing an important hobby of mine (checkout my mixes on the mixes section, djhype #shamelessplug). While its difficult to manage school, going out all the time, hangovers, time with your friends, and personal time, its important to contribute to the community and volunteer your time. Plus you never know what other partygoers you’ll meet during these activities!

CM: A bar star with a heart? Amazing. But let’s get back to the bar scene, what’s your usual weekly line up?

AK: Like a well-oiled machine, the bar schedule is an integral aspect of a Bar-Star’s persona. A good bar schedule mixes in variety as well as days off to recover. For myself, its as follows: Monday, Jacks on occasion, usually it’s a day of rest, Tuesday Ceeps Bingo, Wednesday JBRs, Thursday Cobra, Friday JBRs, Saturday JBRs (could you tell I like JBRs?), Sunday – football day aka day of rest. Really though, as I always say, its not the place, it’s the people – meaning it doesn’t really matter where you are going (unless its Taphouse), as long as you’re with good friends, good times are assured!

CM: Well you’re missing one of my favourite nights- Monday night Ceeps but don’t worry, I’ll take you next time. Look at that, bar stars helping bar stars- great things happening. But Arthur, would you consider yourself a bar star?

AK: I’m not one for labels so I don’t really consider myself a bar star as much as other people label me as one. I’m a social person that enjoys going out and spending time with other people. If it means being at the bar 4-5 nights a week, sure.

CM: An answer I completely agree with. Why not spend time with all your friends in one central meeting place, right? So what’s your meeting place, what’s your natural habitat?

AK:  I’m definitely comfortable at the bar, so I would consider it a natural ‘habitat’ for myself. Other ‘natural habitats’ include the predrink, the afterparty, & Cancun? (yah Spring Break 2012). I feel the most at home at JBRs. Not only is it a spectacular bar that plays great music, but more importantly, my friends are always there, and that makes it a guaranteed good time.

CM: I’ll look at getting a welcome home mat out front of JBRs for you and all the other regulars. I really do think this would be a great addition. So after you leave, the predrink, JBRs, the afterparty and Cancun, what ends up in your pocket?

AK:  In my pocket right now, my Blackberry (never go anywhere without it, integral for organizing parties, predrinks, or evaluating who is going out), my wallet (ID – key to getting into the bar, and $$ for drinks), house key, mints (went to the Wave for lunch today), and 14 dollars in loonies, toonies and quarters (post bar-change… figures eh?).

CM: Well, that confirms it. You’re definitely a bar star. So what do bar stars say these days? What’s your favourite saying?

AK: My favorite saying is “work hard – play hard”. Anyone can party 5 days a week, but it takes a certain type of person to be able to party till 2 am, get up and be at school at 9 am and work throughout the day till its time for another predrink.

CM: I wish my father would understand how difficult it is to maintain everything you just mentioned. You seem to have everything pretty figured out. Any advice you’d give to first time Londontown party-ers?

AK: To newcomers to the bar scene: while you may come with friends, always be social and meet new people, it’s the best part of being at the bar. You never know who you’re going to meet, a future hookup, best friend, colleague or classmate. Also as I previously mentioned, its easy to be a ‘bar star’, but never forget your priorities and why you’re here. Work hard, and then play hard. When its time, pencils down, drinks up .

CM: Pencils down, Drinks up! I like that, but when the drinks are empty and the pencils are down, what are you doing at Western?

AK: Surprise! I just finished my Masters in Biology, specializing in Progesterone Metabolite in Breast Cancer. My thesis was titled: The role of the anti-cancer progesterone metabolite 3α-hydroxyprogesterone on human breast cancer. I did my undergrad at Western as well, Honors Specialization in Biology.

CM: On top of everything you just learned and therefore started to love about Arthur Kwok, he’s also trying to save boobies. How can you not love him?!

So next time you see Arthur (or any other Bar Star), don’t be so quick to judge them as pure party animals without a wit about them.  They’re probably more than a pretty face and a vodka cran.