The Boy Scout on campus
Taylor Deaton, Staff Writier
“Do your best, keep your priorities of God, family and school, and always, always give the glory to God.”
When it comes to making the most of the college experience, Biology major Matthew Watson has raised the expectations on having an efficient one, and he is only a junior. Watson has served in numerous local, regional and national positions of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and he is currently serving as ‘Young Adult Human Resources Coordinator for the United States’ contingent to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree. Along with this, Watson also serves with student government here at North Greenville.
Watson says it is “an impossible task to name a favorite thing about being a Scout.” His “fulfilling” journey with the BSA has provided him with some of his best memories. “It’s not just a resume builder,” he says. “It will radically change your life.” The BSA have attributed for Watson’s love of the outdoors, and his major in biology comes from his “insatiable passion for nature.”
His journey with the Scouts began when he was in elementary school and Watson credits the urge to explore the outdoors and the fancy blue uniform and gold neckerchief as a few of his reasons for joining. Through the organization, Watson committed [his] life to Christ as a 7-year-old Cub Scout. He states that, “to this day…I have always seen God’s handiwork in every trail blazed and tent staked.”
Watson has always had a passion for getting involved in extracurriculars, and this desire to serve others and get involved prompted him to get involved with student government when he started school at NGU. He explains that, “It has been humbling to serve our school,” and also credits President Fant and Student Body President “Kady Floyd” for helping “to get this university’s core of student leaders back on track.”
Through his study in biology, Watson has “been blessed to see how God has carefully designed the world,” and he wants to “utilize this knowledge not only as a foundation that has prepared me well for graduate-level studies, but to continue to share this knowledge with those around me and to remain a lifelong learner.”
After graduation, Watson’s goal is to become a dentist. “As a Scout,” he explains, “I grew up woodcarving, tying knots and utilizing my hands on a constant basis.” Watson further goes on to explain that dentistry requires the ability to use hands for diverse operations and will also allow him to put his leadership skills into action daily. “Ultimately, it is a calling to serve by helping individuals renew self-confidence through their smile and making the dental experience a fun journey for patients of all ages,” Watson concludes.
Watson expresses that there are “too many memories to count” from his years spent at North Greenville, but after graduation he wants to “utilize this knowledge not only as a foundation that has prepared [him] well for graduate-level studies, but to continue share this knowledge with those around [him] and to remain a lifelong learner.”
Watson in his uniform. Photo courtsey of Matthew Watson.
