The Interview: Peyton Shelnutt
From Staff Reports
This month, The Paper visited with Peyton Shelnutt, the Executive Director of the Newnan Centre, for its May Q&A.
Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.
I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2016 with two degrees, history and theatre. At that time, I was not quite ready to become a full-blown adult, so like many of my friends, I continued to work in the service industry for a bit longer. Soon after, I began to be haunted by the ever-looming adult responsibilities we all know and love – insurance, 401K’s, benefits, the list goes on and on. Enter: Job Search! After applying and interviewing for what felt like a million jobs, I finally left an interview with our local CVB, feeling like this was it. I think I found the one! A few weeks later, I received a call from Carol Moore (who had sat in on that promising interview) asking if I would be interested in an interview with the Newnan Centre. Extremely confused, I asked, so I’m guessing I did not get the other job, huh? Absolutely mortified, Carol replied that she was under the impression I had been notified and was so sorry to be the bearer of such news. I ended up interviewing with Carol for her open position as a Sales and Events Manager, and voila, I’ve been in this crazy industry ever since! After nearly seven years, I now serve as Executive Director of the Newnan Centre!
Best piece of advice you’ve received.
Always be kind as you never know what someone may be going through or if your paths will cross again!
If I had it to do over …
NASA! I would gift myself with the smartest brain in the world and be an engineer with NASA and go to space. A girl can dream, right?
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
What a loaded question… Can I substitute the three books for three more albums? Pearl Jam – Ten; Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon; Modest Mouse – The Lonesome Crowded West; Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon: The End of Day; Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II; Outkast – ATLiens. Sorry books! Music > Books.
Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.
I am the world’s biggest hip-hop and rap fan! I love to learn lyrics and study the samples used from songs past, seeing how songs are pieced together to form a work of art, musically. I also make it a point to learn all rappers’ real names and stage names, so if I’m ever asked at trivia or make it onto Jeopardy, I’m ready!
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why.
1. Robert Downey Jr. – He is the epitome of a phoenix rising from the ashes and one of the biggest GOATS on earth. His bounce back from prison into starring in one of the biggest franchises in cinema history is incredible. I’m pretty sure he even refers to himself as a phoenix in the first Iron Man.
2. Alex Trebek – I spent my entire life tuning into Jeopardy every night at 7:30 p.m., so he is one of my biggest idols. I would love to talk with him about how he got his start and the evolution of the game over time. Plus, he is a walking encyclopedia. Jeopardy hasn’t been the same since his passing – oh, to be irreplaceable.
3. Jeff Probst – I would kill for an opportunity to invite THE Jeff Probst to my tribal dinner. I would most likely even make him come in with a torch just so I could snuff it afterwards. I’ve been an avid Survivor fan since its premiere in 2000 and still watch every season live (despite the original seasons being way better than today’s). Once a fan, always a fan.
4. Stephen King – The master of horror himself. I’ve forever been in awe of his ability to blend different genres together and he has so many incredible works published. He has a really great story to tell and overcame a lot to become an author whose stories will forever impact future generations.
5. Prince – I would be absolutely speechless and just want him to perform the 1999 album in its entirety. Then, I would attempt to collect myself and pick his brain on how he was able to create masterpieces musically and any fun party/concert/studio stories he had to share.
Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.
I’ve always dreamed of traveling to Jordan or Israel for many reasons, but I really want to float in the Dead Sea. I mean, who doesn’t want to swim in a body of water where no creatures can thrive?! Sign me up!
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …
Easy, a female Anthony Bourdain travel and food documentarian! I’m always down to try new things, especially anything involving FOOD! Plus, I’m a lover of all things involving history and culture, so that would be a bonus with the travel.
Your go-to food.
Pho and Ramen are my absolute favorites. There is nothing that eating a good bowl of Pho can’t cure.
Favorite movies(s).
My all-time favorite movie is True Romance; Tarantino makes some of the best movies. Donnie Darko would be a close second!
Dogs or cats?
Dogs, forever. No offense to cats, but I’m definitely more of a dog person. Plus, if my dog Zeppelin reads this and sees I answered, cats, I’d be in trouble.
Your favorite quote and why.
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” Robert Frost. This quote has always helped me in navigating my life, especially in the most difficult moments. It can be hard to let things go and keep going, but life continues on regardless. It’s best to live it rather than dwell on what could’ve, would’ve, or should’ve been.
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.
Honestly, my greatest accomplishment has been achieving such a great career at such a young age in my hometown. I have always been goal-oriented and super-driven, but I did not know it would play out so perfectly. Serving the community I grew up in is such a blessing every day, so I consider myself very fortunate to have landed as I did. I definitely could not have done it alone, so having such a supportive family and incredible mentors helped me achieve this and so much more. I will be forever grateful.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own.
There is no timeline to life. Let it play out on its own and cherish the ride.
