There is something beautiful about the kind of insatiable love that someone has for a particular hobby, and highlighting that kind of passion is a part of this blog's goal. So when pondering over which student should be interviewed as our next Feature Femme, Bindu seemed like a perfect candidate.
A senior at Central, Bindu is the captain of the golf team, and she takes what she does seriously, as is made apparent in the following interview in which I had the pleasure of speaking with her via text.
So first, I want to know more about your experience in golf. How did you begin playing?
"I began playing because my AP Human [Geography] teacher, Mr. Jackson, convinced me to join the golf team. I did it for the scholarships and because I ended up falling in love with it."
What makes it intriguing compared to the other sports Central offers?
"I think personally what makes it more intriguing is how golf is and how it is more of a mental game and strategy rather than just physical. Anyone who puts their mind to it can play golf. It's a lifetime sport."
And you're the captain, correct? What challenges would you say come with that?
"Yes, I have been captain since I was a sophomore and the challenges that come with it are just trying to please everyone and making sure everyone is on the same page, doing what they need to do. As a captain, you have higher standards to live up to and it's hard sometimes. You have to be 200% dedicated to everything you do."
I get it. Must be frustrating at times, especially with all the pressure of senior year.
"Yeah, it is sometimes, but it is what I have been doing since the founding of the original team!"
You mentioned how many are unaware that the golf team captain is autistic. I'm curious how that plays into your life as both a student and an athlete, being neurotypical myself.
"I live my life the way other people do, but like everyone, we are all different people with different lifestyles. I have to have a routine schedule and everything; I deal with a lot of anxiety and stress and I find ways to cope with that. Being a student, I always end up speaking up for myself to get accommodations so that I can function like everyone else. I do very well for myself and as an athlete, sometimes I don't understand social cues; my voice and face sometimes come off like I'm a very mean or sad person, but I am very sweet, probably the nicest person you can meet. But my autism doesn't define me or who I am. It is just a part of me."
Absolutely, and I'd love to hear more about what you do beyond Central and golf, including your plans after high school!
"Personally, I plan to go to college and get a master's or bachelor's degree in behavioral analytics and psychology so that I can become a juvenile counselor."
Well, I wish you good luck, of course. What got you interested in that particular field?
"I always love helping people. I am very interested in both law and psychology, and that job was actually mentioned by my mom in the car. I looked it up and knew it combined the two things I loved most, so I decided to do it."
Thank you to Bindu for allowing me to interview her! Make sure to follow the Central Gwinnett High School Golf Team on Instagram @cghsgolf
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