Hannah Piedad | Staff Writer
July 26, 2023
On July 20, scholars hurriedly rushed to Johnson Theater for the latest (and last) installment of This GSP Life. Previously, scholars were able to hear stories from faculty, staff and RA’s. However, for the last installment, scholars were treated to stories from 15 of their peers. Ranging from lighthearted, funny stories to ones of grief and trauma, this installment of This GSP Life was truly a wild and enjoyable ride.
A total of 15 scholars were chosen to share their experiences with the audience, with David Lin playing introduction music for each speech and John Riley announcing each speech and who was giving it. As scholars came up one by one, each sharing memorable stories, the audience was fully engrossed in what each speaker had to say.
David Lin playing introductions for each speaker
Photo Credits: Allie Holt | Staff Writer
Thomas Grant started off the night with a story about his childhood curiosity. Grant recounted how one day as a child, he ate the stem from a dandelion flower. He recognized how odd this action was, but also went on to explain how this story captured his childhood curiosity and need for exploration.
Another story that had scholars laughing and rolling in their seats was about Veronica Butler’s encounter with a fire alarm in a JC Penny’s. Butler recounted how on a trip to JC Penny’s to find the perfect pair of pajamas for her school’s pajama day in 2016, she became bored and restless while waiting in the checkout line. This led a young Butler to wander around the store, where she inevitably found a fire alarm that read “lift up”, and lift up she did! This caused the entire Fayette Mall to be evacuated that day, with fire trucks and ambulances rushing to the scene. Butler reminisced on her childhood curiosity that had led her to this moment, and although she was terrified of the consequences in the moment, she is now able to look back at this story and laugh.
Another lighthearted story came from Trenton Schroering. Schroering talked about a moment when the phrase “kindness begets kindness” proved true. He talked about how while in a drive-thru, he moved his car to allow another driver to move out of the road and into the drive-thru, as the car was causing a traffic disturbance due to the driver not being able to fully turn into the White Castle. Schroering remarked how even though the driver took his place in line, he didn’t mind. However, while behind the car, Schroering noticed a sticker on the back of the driver’s car. This sticker was from a differing political party, which prompted Schroering to think about just how different he was from the driver, and how the two of them probably wouldn’t get along if they met face-to-face. While thinking on this, Schroering pulled up to pay for his food, where he was shocked to find that the car in front of him paid for his food. This just went to show that when you are kind to others, you will likely be met with the same treatment. As they say, “kindness begets kindness.”
The final story of the last installment of This GSP Life was from Omar Caballero Cardenas, where he talked about the top three lessons he learned as an immigrant. Caballero Cardenas talked about how he immigrated at 8 years old and all of the challenges that came along with that. Giving a powerful and influential speech, Caballero Cardenas’ story will definitely be remembered by the GSP community.
Caballero Cardenas giving his This GSP Life Speech
Photo Credits: Allie Holt
There are 11 more scholars that shared amazing stories, the list consisting of: Thomas Grant, Karina Stankova, Meredith Burk, Aneesh Sharma, Sarah Kincaid, Avery Allen, Conner Tipton, Nya Hammons, Thomas Berger, Micah Whitson and Jessie Latimer
All in all, the last edition of This GSP Life was a success, as scholars seemed to enjoy each story and walk away from the event with a smile. Each speech definitely offered scholars with new advice, perspective, and memories to cherish.
