Name: Eric Paul Bourgeois
Age: 21
Hometown: Summerville, SC
Classification: Junior
Major: Journalism, concentration in PR
Favorite…
Color: Blue
Food: Anything not healthy, I’m not picky
Animal: Sharks and snakes
Sport: Basketball
Book: Harry Potter Series
Movie: Dark Knight Trilogy and James Bond films
Her Campus: If you could meet anyone person in history (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
Eric Bourgeois: “Martin Luther King, Jr. He’s a once in a generation person. He made a profound difference in the social change of society.”
HC: What do you want to do with your major?
EB: “I really want to go into Marketing, but I hate math so I’ve been avoiding it as much as possible.”
HC: Why did you decide to go to the University of Memphis?
EB: “I was offered scholarships, but the real reason is because I was following my high school flame. Once I toured the campus I fell in love with it. I love the city of Memphis. I love when I go home but I love Memphis more. I’ve never been a homebody.”
HC: Where are your favorite places to go in Memphis?
EB: “Beale St, the FedEx Forum, the Liberty Bowl, and Riverfront Park. I love to explore downtown. I think you can always discover something new in Memphis.”
HC: Where are your favorite places to eat in Memphis?
EB: “Huey’s, Germantown Commissary, Muddies Bake Shop, LBOE, and Pho Saigon.”
HC: What do you organizations have you been involved in on campus?
EB: “What have I not been involved in! Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Frosh Camp, Tiger Elite, SGA, and Up Til Dawn. I was a Greek Intern. I’m a part of the U of M Marketing and Athletic Department of Fundraising for Student Athletes Tiger Scholarship Funds. I was the VP of my frat for a year and a half (2013-2014). Now I’m just an active member on paper.”
HC: Do you find it hard to balance school, your fraternity, SGA, and everything else you’re involved in?
EB: “No. I’m a visual person so everyday I make mental maps of everything I have to do that day so I don’t forget stuff.”
HC: are some of the most important things you have learned while being in the leadership role?
EB: “I learned that everyone has an opinion so I try to talk to people one-on-one. The biggest thing I’ve learned is you can learn something new from everyone you meet. The more people you talk to the more you learn more about yourself.”
HC: Why do you think students should get involved in RSOs at school?
EB: “It’s not just about personal experiences. Being involved builds your personal brand. When you are looking for a job in the future and they have the choice between a straight A student who never got involved and a B+ student who was involved in everything, I feel like an involved student is more appealing. I’m not a straight A student I’m a B student, but I’m involved. It makes you more desirable. You only get to go to college once so why not be involved in everything and meet all kinds of people.”
HC: Tell me something interesting about you?
EB: “I’m a huge grammar Nazi. I love the desert. When I speak in public my face turns red, I’m not nervous but it just happens. I’m comfortable in any situation. I can be content alone in the middle of nowhere or in a crowd of people. I don’t get nervous and I can talk to anyone.”