What do you know about Thomas S. Monson?
By Danny Blonquist
Paul Monson is a senior here at Southern Virginia University. He grew up in Provo, UT and has one sister. Paul is very outgoing and more often than not tends to lift others around him.
Paul initially came out to the school to play tennis. Tennis was always a big part of Paul’s childhood and he played competitively and was usually at the top of the rankings in his age division in the state of Utah throughout his youth. He has brought nothing but success to the tennis program here at the university. From making and keeping close connections and friendships with team members, to clinching the match in the round of 32 of the NCAA national tournament, Paul has played a big role in helping the tennis team reach their true potential.
Paul has a grandfather that some, if not most, recognize. His grandfather was Thomas S. Monson. Monson was the previous president of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day-Saints. I had the opportunity to interview Paul about his grandfather and he had some riveting stories to tell.
The first question I asked was, what was it like to be the grandson of a public figure? Paul mentioned, “It had its pros and cons, the pros were getting to go to a bunch of Utah Jazz games, BYU games, and Conference. It was a very easy conversation starter, and it was easy to make friends because of it.”
The next question I asked sparked my favorite part of the conversation that I was able to have with Paul and I think you’ll get a kick out of it. I asked Paul what’s something that would surprise people about your grandfather? “He was basically addicted to Coca-Cola.” There are some cultural stereotypes with the LDS faith and the consumption of caffeine tends to be one of them.
Another conversation point that we touched on during the interview was what Thomas S. Monson did in his free time. I was clued in that he did a lot of fishing. I found it extremely interesting, but at the same time wasn’t shocked when I heard this. Fishing seems like a very peaceful activity.
