Profiles of Tenacity: Peter Bartlett

Peter Bartlett is a fourth year entertainment and media studies major with a certificate in sports media.

Read his Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

I was originally an education major but when I was discussing my future with my parents, I said the thing I always wanted to do (sports media) was a door that wasn’t open to me. My mom told me that pursuing a career in something other than what you want most isn’t worth it and will be hard to manage because you won’t have the heart for it. We talked it through and we realized the resources necessary to pursue the dream career were here if I was willing to take the chance, so I did. We prayed, we hoped and some things broke my way to give me the opportunities I needed. I’ve never looked back

What does tenacity mean to you?

The drive to do the work for what you want. Everyone wants something, but most of the time, want is a thing disconnected from our reality, unrealized or unpursued. Tenacity is a willingness to not only want, or to chase the want, but to do all the labor getting the want requires. So much of what it takes to get where you want to be seems meaningless and trivial. The effort and the drive to put in the work, the time and the focus over and over separates you from everyone else who wants what you want.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

Do the little things, because so many people don’t. Always show respect, patience and willingness to do the stuff other people don’t. Do as much prep as you can. Be scheduled and ordered in your mind. Treat people with what seems like inconsequential kindness because it makes you stand out from everyone else who doesn’t. Call people ma’am or sir, and don’t think that something is beneath you even if it is.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life?

Both my parents have always been incredible leaders. They have expectations for themselves that exceed the expectations of the people they’re answering to. They do things to the best of their ability not because someone is watching or because there’s an incentive, but because they have a personal standard of excellence they intend to uphold always. The willingness to work extra hard without expectation of reward or recognition is something I greatly admire about them.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

Being able to broadcast for the D.C. Grays over the past summer meant so much to me. I’ve always wanted to be a sports broadcaster behind the mic, and even though the audience was small, to take such a concrete step in my future as a broadcaster felt so wonderful. It was surreal to realize I was the voice of the game for people the same way others had been for me. Even though it wasn’t as flashy as some of the other things I’ve done this year, it meant a lot to be working in that position.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

Peabody Hall Room 115. I helped found the Ethics Club at UGA in my first year on campus and have been the president of the club for three years. It has truly been a labor of love, but under my leadership we’ve gained over 300 members in our GroupMe, created a podcast, a blog and finished second in two different collegiate ethics bowls (Harvard finished third in one of those). The relationships I’ve built in that club have meant the world to me even though it’s not really for my professional ambitions. And all of it has happened in Peabody Room 115.

What advice would you give to your future self?

Enjoy the road ahead. The field we’re going into is competitive and challenging, time-consuming and hard. But it’s what we’ve always wanted to do. No matter the post, or the environment, the ability to work in sports is a massive privilege that so many don’t have and that you’ve waited for for so long. Don’t get frustrated or ungrateful along the way. Be thankful God opened the door for you.

Editor: Lily Alarcon, lia52467@uga.edu