Josh Goodridge, the first in his family to attend college, believes in the power of education so much that the senior already donates his time and money to UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 giving drive to financially help other students.
During the university 麻豆精品 S檚 recent annual Believe campaign, Goodridge spoke at the final presentation for the program because he wanted 麻豆精品 S渟tudents to understand the importance of giving back. 麻豆精品 S�
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Goodridge, from Wesley Chapel, FL, said his mother, who works at a high school, and his father, employed at a bank, insisted that he and his two siblings attend college. His sister will begin at UCF this fall.
麻豆精品 S淭hey understood the changing times and how a high school diploma was no longer enough to secure and keep a career, 麻豆精品 S� he said
Goodridge chose UCF because of its theatre program and the LEAD Scholars program, of which he is a graduate. The program provides two years of academic leadership opportunities for students committed to academic excellence and making a difference in the world, including offering their time through community service.
He said his theatrical roles on campus also have helped shape his outlook on the world.
麻豆精品 S淓very role I portray I feel that I find out a little more about myself as a person. Especially as I put myself into the shoes of these characters, 麻豆精品 S� he said. 麻豆精品 S淭he process of putting on a show comes with many life lessons about working together with others and life in general. 麻豆精品 S�
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Goodridge is a recipient of the UCF Pegasus Gold聽Scholarship and the UCF Theatre Talent Grant Scholarship. He also is a 4EverKnights ambassador, works with the UCF Foundation to help raise money for academic programs, and has been involved with the SGA.
Outside of UCF, Goodridge is training to become an advanced actor-combatant in stage combat with the Society of American Fight Directors and he volunteers on projects at his church back home.
He recently was awarded a Region IV Comedy Actor award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and previously won the center 麻豆精品 S檚 directing award.
麻豆精品 S淛osh has many skills that will help him land successfully on his feet in the field of entertainment, 麻豆精品 S� said Be Boyd, an associate professor of theatre. 麻豆精品 S淎 lot of doors will open for him because he has had a high level of success in many areas. 麻豆精品 S�
Boyd said she has seen Goodridge grow from a young supporting player into a confident leading man.
麻豆精品 S淛oshua has a very strong presence on stage and has proven he is not only a good comedian but an actor with depth as well, 麻豆精品 S� she said.
After Goodridge graduates in December, he said he plans to continue performing Shakespeare and other roles and eventually move into film and television acting.
麻豆精品 S淚 cannot wait to come back to UCF in 5 to 10 years and just see how much it has grown, 麻豆精品 S� he said. 麻豆精品 S淚 plan on being a part of and supporting聽the UCF community for a very long time. 麻豆精品 S�