Wright Feels He Made “Right” Decisions at E&H

By Jena Lytle 

“It’s been a challenge, but I’m really happy to have taken it on,” admits Gavin Wright as he speaks about his experiences at Emory & Henry College.

Wright is a 21-year-old who will soon have a degree in both Literature & Creative Writing as well as Mass Communications. He is originally from Stafford, Va., where he currently lives. He has also lived in Cherry Hill, N.J. and Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Wright attended an Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston, S.C., which influenced his original dream of being a textile chemist. Wright mentions some of the technical schools he had been accepted to, such as Georgia Tech and Auburn University, but says he feels he made the right choice by coming to Emory & Henry originally to play soccer.            

Wright has made a name for himself throughout his years at Emory & Henry. When he is not playing soccer he can probably be found in the Whitetopper Office, which he describes as “one of my favorite places to be because I’ve surrounded myself with people I enjoy being with.” Wright has worked for the school newspaper since the fall semester of his sophomore year. His devotion to his position and his dedication to the final product were some of the characteristics that promoted Wright to the position as Editor-in-Chief by the middle of the next semester.              

Chris Hatcher, a junior, has worked with Wright for three years and speaks about their experiences together. Hatcher says, “I find that Gavin is very fair with all of the staff members, and is committed to making the paper better every week. Gavin has gone above and beyond his Whitetopper duties by being there the night he had food poisoning, which he was later admitted to the hospital for. He has spent many a sleepless night up in the Whitetopper office with his staff members, and is usually the last person to leave.” Hatcher openly shares more memories of his boss and friend that convey Wright’s passionate work ethic as well as his friendly personality.           

Wright’s work experience with the newspaper is what led him to take up Mass Communications as a second major. “I felt like I needed a background in AP Style, so I took the Writing for the Media course with Dr. Lauder,” said Wright. He did not even declare a major in Mass Communications until the fall semester of his senior year, so you can imagine the workload he has been faced with. He admits that it has not been easy, but feels like it has better prepared him for the working world.            

Along with Mass Communications, Wright is also a Literature and Creative Writing major. He incorporates his gift of writing into all he does, including Mass Communications, and uses it to support school organizations like the Whitetopper. Wright looks forward to showing some of his work at the Mass Communications Banquet this weekend, and he is also anxious to take in all the other seniors’ work as well.            

Aside from his position as Editor-in-Chief, being a member of the soccer team and being a double major, Wright is also involved in several other student outlets on campus. He participates in MOCA, The Rainbow Connection, The Outdoor Program, The Appalachian Center Student Advisory Council, as well as a speaker and panelist for many lyceums.           

Wright reflects on his experience here at Emory & Henry and describes it as “well-rounded,” which is a phrase that most of the students can relate to. Wright is appreciative of many of his professors, including Dr. Winger and Professor Harrison, who he says, “had a profound impact on the way I think about things and have played a major role in helping me develop my writing skills and my ability to express my thoughts and feelings.” He plans on keeping in touch with professors he has connected with and friends he has made throughout his time here at Emory & Henry.

When the question was posed about whether or not he felt he was ready to leave, Wright replies, “Even though I am not entirely sure what my career will end up being, I feel my time spent on my degrees has played a major role in preparing me to be successful in whatever I do and my college experience has helped to prepare me for whatever the world gives me.”

As a graduation gift, he will be traveling with his family to England to see a Liverpool soccer game. Wright is obviously excited about beginning a new chapter in his life as he discusses his plans for the future. “After I walk at graduation in May, I will begin a Public Relations internship with the Richmond Kickers professional soccer team. I love soccer and am beginning to love PR, so maybe I’ll stay there if they offer me a full-time position,” he said.

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