A member of the Boys’ Cross Country team and a captain of Boys’ Nordic Ski, senior Andrew Gump’s story is one of sportsmanship, creativity, and community building. Gump’s interests encompass a wide range of activities. From the ultimate frisbee fields to the meeting rooms of the Creative Writing Club and the Interact Club, Gump is actively involved in shaping various facets of his school community in almost every way possible.
Reflecting on his time in Nordic skiing, Gump acknowledged the activity’s pivotal role in his personal growth. “Nordic really has the best people ever. Aside from the physical challenges, Nordic has provided me a space for me to step outside of my comfort zone, and has greatly improved my leadership skills, perseverance, and enthusiasm,” Gump said. Gump stated Nordic skiing will likely continue to be a part of his life even in college. “I look to continue to participate in Nordic skiing when I am in college, and I can’t wait to meet so many more amazing people along the way. Building a sense of community and inspiring people to be who they truly are is really important to me,” Gump said.
This spirit is displayed not only in Gump’s athletic pursuits but also in his creative endeavors, particularly in the realm of music on SoundCloud. Gump’s SoundCloud journey began as a fun venture but has since evolved into a platform for showing the world who he truly is. “I love music because it is such a fun and healthy way to express myself,” Gump said. The music, made by Gump himself, reflects his hope to infuse comedy and uniqueness into each piece. “My songs are designed to resonate with listeners, providing them with a healthy dose of humor and encouragement that’s meant to brighten up their day,” he said. The creative process behind each song is a meticulous one for Gump. “I always try to start my songs with a broad idea, then once I know what I am talking about, I try to make sure that every line rhymes to create a flow that is almost poetic,” Gump said. While the process of making a song takes a few days, the effort is worth it in the end for Gump. “My music is not just a personal outlet for me but also a way for me to inspire others,” Gump said.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on November 30, 2023.
