What is the most influential book you have read besides the Bible? Why?
Either the Great Divorce or Mere Christianity. Both inspired curiosity in me as well as bringing a sense of understanding to topics that would not have, I would not have developed nearly as well otherwise.
What will you miss most when you leave Geneva?
I’ll miss the place, but more importantly I’ll miss the people in the community, as I might not get a chance to see them again even if I do come back to campus and visit.
Who has influenced you most while at Geneva, How?
This is a tough one. I’d say either Mr. Shelton, or Mr. Poole. They all taught me a lot and made a strong impression on the community. I think the best part is they both let us have active discussions about topics that were important, and really allowed for students to gain a lot if they put in even little effort to try.
What does being a Geneva student mean to you?
Being a student at Geneva is one thing but being a part of Geneva is an entirely different one. Being a student here is simply that you are enrolled in classes here. Being a part of the community is contributing to your experience and the experience of others while you are a student, good or bad. It’s up to the individual to decide what kind of student they want to be. That goes for everyone in the community. Parents, staff, and students; we all have our part to play in preserving, maintaining, and improving our community.
How would you encourage a Geneva kindergartner to persevere in school?
It’s demanding and requires lots of self-discipline. But that’s okay because everyone is different and has different academic needs as a result. Besides, you don’t have to be a student to be a part of the community. It is a very special opportunity to go here, sure, not everyone can handle the “Classical” part of our school. Regardless, if you choose to hate it, you will. But if you choose to be positive, you’re one step ahead of everyone else. More than anything be honest with those around you. Stay calm, think it over and talk to your teachers about it before you do anything else. If you let them, most of them will try their best to help you. Still, you can gain a lot of experience while you’re here, and the only way to know how well you can do is to push yourself. So, try even if it’s difficult. At Geneva, we do hard things, because if you never try anything difficult, how are you supposed to grow stronger.
What about Geneva do you hope never changes?
The spirit that Rhetoric School has. If it does have to change, I can only hope it is for the better.