First impressions are everything.Most of the time. Sometimes. Never. Those are the kinds of philosophical answers Brother Edward Wesley, Professor and chairman of the English Department, gives to the questions asked.

It's a little bit daunting to ask the certified man of God personal questions. As time goes on, the many layers get no less complicated, but more human than one would expect.

On the surface, Brother Ed- ward's opinions and preferences may set him apart from popular American culture. He doesn't like popcorn, refuses to join Facebook, and promotes peace during this time of war and unrest; frankfurters are a 'no-no', "they're too mysterious. I don't know what they're made of," and he's no fan of Tom Cruise.

Should his citizenship be revoked? Not just yet, Brother Edward is full of surprises.
Having known early on that he wanted to enter the brotherhood, he's spent a majority of his years living a Franciscan lifestyle of peace and caring for the poor.

As a graduate of St. Fran- cis College, Brother Edward has noticed that although named by Forbes as one of America's top colleges for the last four years, "the college continues to address the poor and poverty." Wesley notes that the college has "tried over the years to keep the prices realistic."

Whether or not students will agree with that is another story.What the students would likely agree on, however, is Brother Edward's commitment to keeping his classes fresh by encouraging them to not give the answer they think he would like, but by telling him what they actually think.

When asked by a student, "what do you want on a paper?" Brother Edward responds, "ink."
What's more patriotic than free speech and expression? It's written in this country's Constitution, no?Brother Edward has also expanded the umbrella of American Literature to in- clude writings by multicul- tural authors in America - Brooklyn, to be exact by using the Brooklyn Noir Anthologies, published by Akashic Books, to open the students up to perspectives about American life that may have been seen before.

His multi-culturalism does not end in the classroom. New York City is a melting pot, and Brother Edward is no stranger to the fine cuisine of France, the robust taste of Italy and authentic Chinese food not to be mistaken for fast food fare.

It gets better. With vampires on the verge of replacing apple pie as the symbol of 'Ameri- cana' today, he has added a Vampire class to the curricu- lum, anticipating the delight of Twilight and Vampire Diaries fans alike.

At this disclosure, it becomes apparent that the Brother is intent on bringing variety as well as knowledge to his students.

When asked what he hoped his students gained from having been a part of his class, the baritone clearly states, "joy."To further delay his exile, it should be noted that the good-natured brother be- lieves we get to know ourselves and the world better and from a different perspective if we give ourselves a chance to sit quietly.

It doesn't happen everyday, he said, "sometimes morning gets the best of me and coffee becomes more important than 20 minutes of quiet and focus." But he does his very best to continue the practice. Morning coffee huh?

If at first glance it seemed Brother Edward should surrender his American card, it's at second glance that it becomes clear he has secured a lifetime membership.