Military Man Goes Awol
The military tradition of the family is likely to end with Kenneth Simpson. Simpson, 22, from Colombia SC has discontinued the legacy of serving in the army to pursue a career in print and sports journalism.
His grandparents, parents, and older brother served in the army and yet Simpson has chosen a different path.
“I’m not sure why he didn’t join,” Kathleen Simpson states. “Perhaps he felt he had a great expectation to live up to and didn’t want to be in his brother’s shadow. I would have loved it if he joined the navy, air force or coast guard but I just want the best for Kenneth.” Kathleen Simpson, mother of Kenneth Simpson, retired as a nurse in the army.
Simpson’s love for sports and writing has led him to East Carolina University. He hopes a career in journalism will allow him to travel frequently and follow his favourite sports which include football and golf.
“You get him going about sports and he can tell you stats and scores like the back of his hand,” Andrew Curin states. “We play golf together quite often and that’s when his story telling skills come out.” Curin has been Simpson’s friend for over 2 years.
Simpson certainly has stories to tell. Among his various interests, music seems to be close to his heart. As a teenager in high school, Simpson spent his time travelling with his favourite bands Phish and Widespread Panic.
“I travelled with Phish for 15 tours,” Simpson says. “I’ve seen over 200 shows and I’d just go and buy my tickets of the internet and I’d leave for the weekend or week.” Simpson also developed some entrepreneurial skills during his travels. To pay for tickets, Simpson would sell bottles of water to members of the audience making a profit of at least $100 a day.
“We’d buy crates of water at a time and then sell 2 bottles for $3,” Simpson says. “Different people were selling different items like artwork, clothes or alcohol but we’d just sell water. It worked out the best for everyone.”
As a Print Journalism major, Simpson now leads a more structured lifestyle. Between school and work, he spends more time with his friends than he does following bands around the country.
“Kenny is very loyal,” Walter Manning states. “There was a time when one of our friends had a bit too much to drink so Kenny carried her home to make sure she got there safely. He’s definitely always there when you need him.” Manning has been friends with Simpson for over 4 years and they are currently roommates.
Simpson also loves his family dearly and has a close bond with his brother.
“Growing up, Kenneth was easier to raise,” Kathleen Simpson states. “Him and his brother Glen would argue with each other and pick fights, but if someone else tried to pick a fight or argue those boys would stick by each other. Kenneth was fearless.”
Simpson also spends time with Suzy, his 110 pound Great Dane with whom he considers to be a member of the family. “Dogs are better than children,” Simpson jokes. “Suzy is obedient and less of a hassle.”
Simpson shows no signs of settling down anytime soon. He hopes to travel and see the world which his mother finds quite odd.
“Kenneth is an introvert and he often complained about moving around all the time, but he never regretted meeting new friends,” Kathleen Simpson says. “He loves his routine and pattern but I guess everyone has to live up to their dreams. This must be his.”
Simpson however has a different idea on life.
“I love to travel,” Simpson states. “The only country I’ve been to outside of the U.S is Mexico and I’d love to see what the rest of the world looks like.”
Simpson enjoys the outdoors and indulges into such hobbies as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Her prefers the mountains over the beach and wants to do something in life that can make him money and that can allow him to follow sports teams once and awhile.
“I’d like to live my life as a sports writer,” he states. “I want to be a journalist for the PGA tours. I don’t want to be in the camera, I just want to write and watch the game.”
Sources
Phone Interview:
- Kathleen Simpson, Mother. Called on 9/12/07 at 8pm. 1½ hour interview.
- Andrew Curin, Friend. Called on 9/13/07 at 3pm. 1 hour interview.
- Walter Manning, Roommate. Called on 9/13/07. 1 hour interview.
Filed under: Classmate Profiles