![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/jotw\/files\/2018\/01\/26815382_10155906061219070_2615574608019499682_n-2-300x224.jpg\")
Name:<\/strong> James Hockman <\/a>\nCurrent Level:<\/strong> 1
\nCurrent Location:<\/strong> Peoria, Arizona
\nDate you have been certified as a L1:<\/strong> 2016
\nWhy did you become a Judge?<\/strong> Wanted to grow and cultivate the local community.
\nOccupation:<\/strong> Security
\nFavourite card:<\/strong> Brass Squire<\/a>. It is too cute!
\nLeast favourite card:<\/strong> Anything Aggro
\nCommander General:<\/strong> Ramos, Dragon Engine<\/a>
\nFavourite non-Magic Game\/Hobby:<\/strong> Old school video games
\nFondest tournament result:<\/strong> My first event, which I went with a 200+ mono white deck and ended up in second place.
\nRandom fact about yourself:<\/strong> I am Korean, but I don\u2019t like any Korean food.<\/p>\n
How did you get involved in Magic in the first place?<\/strong> What motivates you to continue being a Judge?<\/strong> What is your favorite non-judging moment that happened with other Judges?<\/strong> Who have been some of your biggest mentors in the Judge Program, and what did they teach you?<\/strong> What character in Magic represents you the best, and why?<\/strong> Proudest moment of your Judge life?<\/strong> What are your projects that you will be taking on in the future.<\/strong> If I can make a Planeswalker, it will be like this. Two Truths and a Lie<\/strong> [expand title=”The answer to the last Two Truths and a Lie…”]Brook Gardner-Durbin hasn’t released albums.[\/expand]<\/p>\n
\nAfter learning about the game through a friend, we went to a local comic book store and bought a starter and a few packs each. The people at the store were doing a group game, of about 5 players, and asked us if we wanted to join. We then spent the entire day there playing and learning about the game. My first rare I ever opened was Demonic Attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThe thing that motivated me to continue being a judge is my local community. They all look to me for rules during local events and also ask me \u201cjudge calls\u201d even outside of events.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/jotw\/files\/2018\/01\/720850-254x300.jpg\")
What makes playing Magic special in your region special?<\/strong>
\nHonestly, and I am sure that everyone says this, the people. The people of Arizona have always made me feel welcome. When I first moved here, I did not know anyone. Yet, people and local stores embraced me with open arms. I have walked into stores that I have never been to and I have always felt welcome. I have seen players interacting with newer players, talking about magic and also giving advice. I have seen an entire draft pod give every card to the new player to help them gain a collection. I feel like the people and players in Arizona are open and inclusive, willing to grow the community and not judge anyone.<\/p>\n
\nBefore I was a judge, I went out with about 10 judges after a Grand Prix to have a meal. While eating, someone walked by and yelled \u201cJUDGE!”. Everyone at the table stopped eating and looked around to see who called.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/jotw\/files\/2018\/01\/26903827_10155906062134070_8068803118744925643_n-300x225.jpg\")
Who are\/were your role models in the Judge Program? What are\/were their certain qualities that drew you to them?<\/strong>
\nI remembered when I was thinking about becoming a judge and Eli Shiffrin<\/a><\/span><\/span> had recently moved to my area. I was running all my local events at the store that I was working at. He questioned why I wasn\u2019t already a judge. His attitude towards everyone and the passion to encourage more people to join the community was amazing.<\/p>\n
\nThe local L2 judges in my area, Devin Jones<\/a><\/span><\/span>, Eric Lee<\/a>
<\/span><\/span>, Krystal Rose<\/a>
<\/span><\/span>, Marc Lunde<\/a>
<\/span><\/span>, Mike Griffin<\/a>
<\/span><\/span> and Will Levin<\/a>
<\/span><\/span>. They have all encouraged my growth and wanted, not only myself, but the other L1\u2019s in the area to grow. I know I can always contact them at any time of the day for advice and\/or questions that I might have and they will always be willing to help.<\/p>\n
\nAjani<\/a> and its many different representation. Like Ajani Steadfast<\/a>, I value the kinship and friendship that I have and will try to maintain them over anything. Like Ajani Vengeant<\/a>, I will pursue to the end, if you mess with my family or friends. Like Ajani, Valiant Protector<\/a>, I also am someone who likes to be prepared with a plan before heading into a battle.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/jotw\/files\/2018\/01\/26815382_10155906061219070_2615574608019499682_n-300x225.jpg\")
What are some tips you have for other Judges? <\/strong>
\nTalk to people around you. Talk to other judges and ask what you can do better. Talk to your local player and ask them what they want to see, and how the events could go better. Sometimes you won\u2019t even know about an issue until you talk to people and find out. Understand that when someone gives you feedback, it won\u2019t always be positive. However, that is fine, we do learn and grow from it.<\/p>\n
\nFinding out that I have been recognised under the Exemplar Program<\/a>. I didn\u2019t think what I did was amazing and\/or exemplary so I wasn\u2019t expecting it. To be honest, the real exemplar was, Krystal Rose<\/a><\/span><\/span>, who made everything come together.<\/p>\n
\nWell I am going to be on staff at my first Grand Prix so that should be exciting. I really want to get more involved in my local and national scene.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/jotw\/files\/2018\/01\/1515812715558786.png\")
<\/p>\n
\nTwo of the following statements are true and one is false. Figure out which!<\/p>\n\n