By Gabriel Reed We all know Bryan’s name. We see him every week at Community Meeting, and sometimes we’ll see him in Cowan. But who is Bryan? Today, I had the chance to interview him.
Bryan first started the interview by stating “I am a passionate educator, I’m committed to GSP, I think what we do here has great value, and my job is simple, and that is to make GSP a wonderful experience.” Bryan is a high school history teacher at Ballard High School in Louisville, where he has been involved in debate club, Y-Club, and academic team. He is a big Louisville sports fan and regularly attends or watches games. He has been an RA, Head RA, worked in the office, and is now campus director. Bryan loves his consistency. He hasn’t done an interview in 19 years since he started teaching at Ballard, and he has worked with GSP for 26 years. “When I find something I like I tend to stay with it.” Bryan loves his concerts. He has been to many including but not limited to Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and most recently, Railbird. He is very happy that Kentucky is taking part in the growing festival game. One of his odd hobbies is visiting famous peoples’ graves. It started with visiting the graves of his interconnected family and hearing their stories, and that developed with his love of history. Visiting graves is a way for him to relax and get away from the stress of his life. Some graves he is looking forward to visiting are each grave of every player in the Baseball Hall of Fame, every signer of the Declaration and Constiution, every President, and every Governor of Kentucky. Visiting graves goes along with his love of travel, as Bryan has been to 49 out of 50 states. I’m sure he’ll hit Alaska one day. Overall, Bryan’s life goal is to leave the world a little bit better than the one he was born in. “A lot of the problems of the world maybe could not be solved but helped if we were better educated… I believe we can solve our problems.” Probably more than anyone, Bryan knows the importance of GSP. Here we can surround ourselves with people who are different from us, putting us in an environment where we can grow, which is something Bryan believes his generation has failed to do. “More than anything,” Bryan said, “GSP is about people… it’s about community, it’s about making friends you wouldn’t have known otherwise, it’s about seeing a future for yourself, it’s knowing there are other people from around the state who are smart. I am unabashedly pro-Kentucky. We have our problems, but we have so much good here that the rest of the country doesn’t know about. We're not just bourbon and horses.” This week he says you’ll “see the appreciation” and “see the growth” in everyone. When GSP concludes, people will be hugging and crying, which shows just how special this community is. GSP will be entering a new phase next year. After many years Aris is going into a well-deserved retirement. The final question I asked Bryan was, “Where do you see the program going in the future?” Bryan responded, “Adaptation is a must, but I think GSP has a niche that is pretty successful… The GSP mission is one thing and that is to enhance our scholars’ leadership whatever that means to you.” GSP is here to promote really smart kids from around the commonwealth, and have them learn from each other free from influence by any ideology. “I hope we continue with that… and I believe we are supported.” GSP is about all of us. “As much as you challenge others to be their best you must do that to yourself.” Bryan said this on the importance of the GSP reflecting on past sessions in order to create a better GSP for the next scholars, but I want to use this quote as a challenge. This Saturday, we all go back to our communities. How will you apply what you learned at GSP to your home? Will you apply what you learned? I challenge each and every one of you to challenge yourself to be your best, as much as you do to others. By Amber Bean, Libby Clifton, & Jaleia Hatchett By Amber Bean, Libby Clifton, & Jaleia Hatchett By Amelia Lanier RA Leia Grannis, a sophomore at Transylvania who is currently majoring in Psychology, attended the 2021 GSP session at Morehead (with RA Peyton!), and knows how to spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Leia is involved on her campus as a member of the swim and dive team, Cru, and the Chi chapter of Chi Omega. Outside of school, she spends her time studying, hammaking, reading romance and self help books, and spending time with loved ones.
GSP has made a major impact on Leia’s life. Two years ago, Leia was accepted as an alternate, and explained that this was special for her, stating, “I didn’t think that I was going to get the opportunity to be a governor's scholar, so whenever I did get that opportunity it opened my eyes and helped me be more grateful for my experience, the people I met, and the opportunities that were given to me.” Leia has described her GSP experience as “the time of her life,” and remains close to the people that she made connections with at GSP. As an RA, Leia has appreciated the opportunity to “serve a community that has served her.” When deciding to become an RA, Leia recalled memories of her own RA, Molly Parker, who she described as “the biggest ray of sunshine,” who “never failed to celebrate the little moments.” During this session, Leia has tried to emulate Molly, and show the same love to her hall that Leia found to be so special. At GSP, Leia is involved in multiple clubs including Bible Study and Swiftie Sessions. When describing Bible Study, Leia explained that it was an opportunity to share something incredibly important to her with other scholars, stating that “It’s just an experience to learn about a walk of faith that I hold near and dear to my heart, and I’m sure that so many other scholars do too.” Leia also “has a blast” co-leading Swiftie Sessions with RA Payton McCubbin and Logan Currin, where they recently celebrated the release of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), by listening to and ranking vault songs.” Unsurprisingly, Leia’s plans for after college center around helping people. Once she completes her bachelor's degree at Transylvania University, she plans to build a career as either a speech pathologist or occupational therapist, and work in a school setting serving students with special needs. Both of Leia’s parents were teachers, which heightened her awareness of the flaws within the education system. Above all, it is Leia’s goal to “spread light, hope, and kindness in an area where it is not always shown.” By Jaleia Hatchett
Centre GSP is a relatively large community in which every individual has their own unique experience. I interviewed a scholar today to get the essence of their personal experience over the past few weeks and what they have enjoyed over the past few weeks. Jaleia: Hey! What is your name and where do you go to school? What is your focus area? Margaret: Hi! My name is Margaret Wilkerson and I attend Frankfort High School in Frankfort, Ky. My focus area is Communications & Social Theory. Jaleia: What has been your favorite GSP activity so far and what did you enjoy about it? Margaret: So far, it’s probably the 4th of July celebration. I was so happy that we were actually able to celebrate because that is something that is so fun to do back home. I was glad we could bring some of that celebration here. Jaleia: What has been your favorite club that you have participated in over the past couple of weeks? Margaret: I have really loved going to yoga club in the mornings. It is definitely hard to wake up some of the time, but I feel so much better afterwards and it’s such a peaceful environment. It feels good to get something done and already feel so accomplished before the day has really started. Jaleia: What has been your favorite memory so far at GSP? Margaret: I would probably say the “Scholars vs Ballers” dance. I feel like that was especially important right before family day because it was just something so fun to end on. Everyone seemed to put aside any fear of being embarrassed and it was a great bonding experience. I had a lot of fun dancing with everyone. Jaleia: What are some funny dorm stories or memories you’ve had with your hallmates? Margaret: So I am staying in the Yerkes Hall and I’m sure it’s not funny for other people but I have heard stories of people finding roaches around the building. It's been kind of a funny bonding experience for everyone. Jaleia: What do you miss the most about being at home? Margaret: I definitely miss the people and the feeling of being at home around my family and spending the summer with them. Jaleia: What advice do you have for scholars in the upcoming years? Margaret: Be prepared for the possibility of homesickness. I don’t really get homesick a lot, but I felt that adjusting the first week was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Call your parents as much as you can and check in at home to let them know that you’re doing alright. By Amber Bean
Today, I interviewed a scholar named Amanda Lambert as we took a walk to the post office. We chatted about her experience so far at GSP and some of her favorite parts about being here. Amber: What is your name and where do you go to school? Amanda: My name is Amanda Lambert and I go to Martha Layne Collins in Shelby County. Amber: Sick. What is your focus area and how do you guys spend your time there? Amanda: I’m in forensic science and we do a lot of hands-on activities. Like, today, we did a blood spatter activity. Amber: When you aren’t in class what is your favorite activity or event? Amanda: Right now my favorite thing is to sit out on blankets when it's nice with my friends and do little girly things. We’re usually painting nails or learning how to do hair tinsel. I just enjoy being outside with friends. Amber: What about clubs, do you have a favorite? Amanda: I love Hip-Hop and Rap Appreciation Club with Abel. I’ve been to every one so far. Amber: I also love rap appreciation club, glad I get to join you. With all of these activities, what has your favorite memory been? Amanda: It has definitely been the Amazing Race even though I was dreading it that morning. Amber: I can vividly remember you walking in my room half-asleep saying “Can we please just drop out?” Amanda: I can still feel its effects on my shins too. They hurt. But I had a good time with it in the end. Especially watching Taylor not being physically able to get that Oreo in her mouth. Amber: On the other hand, what has your most embarrassing moment been so far while here at GSP? Amanda: It has to be when Joey came into forensic science to talk to us since he’s an ex-cop and when he said working the drug cases was his favorite I giggled and everyone else was silent. It was embarrassing for sure. Amber: I can only imagine. What dorm do you live in, for the sake of the interview? Amanda: I’m on the third floor of Yerkes. Therkes. Amber: As a member of Therkes I know how it can get up there. Do you have any funny dorm stories? Amanda: I think my favorite dorm story is when my roommate, Emma, and I realized I liked Diet Dr. Pepper and she like Coke Zero so we were going to get along. Amber: Cute! Despite loving your roomie, what do you miss most at home? Amanda: Ummm, I probably miss my mom’s cooking the most. Amber: Totally get that one. For our last question, what advice can you give to someone who will be at GSP next year? Amanda: Don’t just sit in your room. Go make friends and hangout with new people everyday. And if you are in your room, invite some friends over to just hang out even if its just laying in bed. By Amelia Lanier Meet this year’s head resident assistant, film enthusiast, and GSP’s hype man, Brandon Clay! Brandon was part of The Northern Kentucky University session of 2018 GSP (which he attempted to sabotage his application to), and recently graduated from Centre college in 2023. During college, he was heavily involved in extracurriculars as the manager of the basketball team, the speaker of the house for student government, and the co-founder and eventual president of Centre Film Enthusiasts, which is one of his proudest accomplishments. Outside of school, Brandon enjoys going outdoors, camping, and watching movies.
As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies and Politics, Brandon is incredibly passionate about film. Brandon watches movies avidly, averaging five films a week, and out of his top 50 film list, his three favorites are Life is Beautiful, SleepAway Camp, and American Beauty. On the subject, Brandon stated that, “I think movies are a lot more than people give them credit for, and I think that they offer insight into other people’s world views and experiences. There is more to movie watching than just sitting back and eating popcorn. Films are meant to be enjoyed a lot of the time, but films can also ask questions of people. They can challenge people’s perspectives.” Brandon has encouraged others to engage with films in a different way, and shares his passion for movies with GSP’s classic film series. Brandon not only introduces films each week, but he has also played a part in creating the movie list for this GSP session. He highly recommends attending the Classic Film Series, and believes that the movies chosen, “speaks to what the scholars are going through at this point in their life, and asks questions that they consider going forward.” While this is Brandon’s first summer as a head Resident Assistant, he has worked as an RA at Centre for the past three years. During this time, Brandon has loved interacting and building connections with the scholars. Understandably, becoming head RA was an adjustment. Brandon explained that “The thing I always appreciated the most was the relationships I built with the scholars. I loved my hall, and I loved my leadership seminar. It’s a very different thing not having either.” Still, Brandon can often be found having conversations around campus, and leads multiple clubs including Swing Dancing and Baking. Additionally, Brandon has found another group of people to lead: his team of RAs, stating that, “I kind of view my RA’s as my hall or Leadership Seminar, and I give to them so that they can give to the scholars.” Even if it is different, Brandon believes that becoming head RA was the “right next step” for him, explaining that transitioning from being an RA to working in administration was an opportunity to continue to grow as a leader, and learn to be okay with taking on a new position. Brandon will continue to work in administration at Centre this fall with the goal of continuing his education and becoming a film director. From his experiences at GSP as a scholar, resident assistant, and head resident assistant, Brandon advises you, the reader, to enjoy senior year, explaining that “So many people wish away their youth. That is one of the things I have always been very proud of myself for. I caught myself early, always wishing that life would be different. That kind of thinking isn’t healthy. You should appreciate whatever stage of life you are in for better or for worse. Don’t wish away this time in your life." |
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