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From Dallas and Rothschild, through River Falls and Scotland in Eau Claire

by Biljana Alampioska

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- Two armchairs, small table, messed up sheets of paper, ink pen and a person. The person’s name: Brandon Geiger.

Born on April 19, 1986 in Dallas, Texas, but raised in Rothschild, Wis., Brandon is an only child. Through the years he got used to it and now he likes the fact that he doesn’t have any siblings.

“I always wanted to have brother or sister, but as I grew up I became more independent and individualistic,” Brandon said.

“I am generous person and I like giving things, but now I am not sure if I can share them.”

Brandon was just a regular high school student at DC Everest High School, but college made his life a small adventure.

After graduating from high school he went to University of Wisconsin- River Falls.

In 2005 he went to study abroad in Scotland for a semester through the Wisconsin in Scotland Program.  Around 40 students from Wisconsin go in Scotland through this program and Brandon was one of them.

“Studying abroad gave me a deeper appreciation for the meaning of home. I missed my family a lot and it really brought me a lot closer to all of them, especially my mom.  I want to travel a lot more when I'm older now because of it,” Brandon said.

While in Scotland, Brandon travelled in Europe. He visited Netherlands, Italy, England and Spain. Since he speaks Spanish he didn’t have lots of problems with language barriers. Brandon is happy that he had the chance to experience Europe first hand.

Although Spain was the country that he enjoyed the most, he would love to go back to Scotland.

“I enjoyed everything about Scotland and about studying and travelling abroad. It was a mix of new cultures, experiences and friends,” he said.

After the semester spent in Scotland, Brandon decided to come to Eau Claire. He felt that River Falls is not a place where he wants to stay. He also wanted to be nearer to his hometown and his family.

At the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire Brandon is a creative writing major and journalism minor. He always wanted to write and that is his passion.

“That’s who I am. I enjoy writing and being creative in it. I hate numbers,” Brandon said.

After graduation Brandon wants to be either a sports writer or a music reviewer. He prefers to write for a magazine than for a newspaper.

“Writing in a magazine will give me more chance to express myself,” he said.

On the other hand, Brandon’s best friend, Max Eugene said that in future he sees Brandon as being a part of a band.

Since he is born in Dallas, Brandon was a Dallas Cowboys fan. However, he is a huge Green Bay Packer fan now.

“After years of being ridiculed and ripped on for being a Cowboys fan, I began to fall for the Brett Favre charm. He is the greatest quarterback to ever play the game,” Brandon said

The Packers have eleven- two series this season so far.

“The Super Bowl isn’t out of question at all,” Brandon said.  

Brandon went to his first Packer game this year on opening day. It was one of the best days of his life.

“It was a very special moment for me because I have always loved the NFL and I was never able to go to a football game.  I was lucky enough to have someone at work with season tickets and he took me with for free.  The moment that they announced Brett Favre, I immediately had goosebumps and teared up a little.  Nothing beats Lambeau Field,” Brandon said.

Brandon likes watching TV, listening to music and reading books. He loves the American version of The Office.

His favorite book is Harry Potter, not because it is a popular book, but because it is well-written.

Concerning music, he likes listening to alternative bands. His favorite bands are Motion City Sound Track and Say Anything.

He is not a big fan of mainstream music. Sometimes he listens to it just for fun or just to be able to keep up with his friends when they go out together.

When it comes to life and the philosophy of life Brandon’s life motto is: “Never forget where you came from.”  Lots of people, such as friends and family have supported Brandon through life and he really respects that.

”My life motto is very important for me because of all the things that people have done for me to help me to get where I am today. I can’t forget about their help, because without it I wouldn’t have had the opportunities to succeed,” he said.

In long term run, Brandon does not have a planned life scenario. He is not sure if he will end up in a big city or on the country side. For Brandon life is full of surprises and he just wants to live and enjoy every single moment of life.

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For any comments or questions contact Biljana Alampioska at alampibs@uwec.edu

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