What is the most influential book you have read besides the Bible? Why?
The most influential book I’ve read other than the Bible is the Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius that we read sophomore year for humanities class with Mr. Poole. I remember that book tackling a lot of important Christian questions such as happiness, free will, evil’s existence, predestination, and more. The classroom discussions for Consolation were some of the most engaging I’ve had.
What is your favorite or funniest moment at Geneva?
A ton of my favorite moments at school center around theater productions. When I was a freshman, I remember our whole group was knee deep in Medea rehearsals and beyond exhausted. In order to get the energy back up, Mr. Hurt let us have a dance party. There we were laughing and dancing together at 6pm on a random school night in the MPB for the poor custodians to witness.
What will you miss most when you leave Geneva?
I will most definitely miss the instant connection you can get with people whenever I leave Geneva. Being here for almost 13 years and a part of the community for so long, I have begun to understand how easy it is to get connected with people. From that, I have also learned you can always find your people that you mesh well with if you’re just willing to look.
Who influenced you most while at Geneva? How?
The most influential people I’ve come across at Geneva has hands down been Mr. Odom and Mrs. They both have had such severe impacts on my faith and in the ways I view myself. Mr. Odom was with my grade through our most transformative years in middle school and high school. He grew great relationships with us and still never faltered in teaching the Bible in a very organic and loving way. Mrs. Jones was always there for me and was one of the few adults in my life who I knew without a doubt would listen, be present with me, and offer sage advice. I’m so grateful for both of them.
What does being a Geneva student mean to you?
Being a Geneva student is more than being taught about manners and respect, though those are crucial. What I believe to be the most vital part in the whole K Prep-12 curriculum is that Geneva is meant to teach you how to think for yourself and offer you the strength to think for yourself.
At its foundation, a Geneva student is meant to be willing to be ambitious and willing to care for others around them while they have a yearning to keep learning more.
How would you encourage a Geneva kindergartner to persevere in school?
My piece of advice to a kindergartner would be to just be yourself. By being who you are, you’ll find a group of people that you really like. Most importantly, just have fun! Now’s the time you get to be a kid, so please allow yourself to be a kid.
What about Geneva do you hope never changes?
I hope the essence of Geneva never changes. In its bare foundation, I believe Geneva comes from a place of people who not only love God, but love children enough that they want to raise them in a place where they are protected and taught well. I hope no one in power ever loses sight of that.