The Many Versions of Me: A Chapel Talk by Gabe Nelson '26

When I was writing this talk, I was wondering how to introduce myself, or if I even should. DQ (Dr. Quimby) already told you my name, so I figured I would introduce myself by my other, potentially more used name, Gu Bei. 

Gu Bei is my Chinese name, placed upon me by the great Qian Lǎoshī (teacher).

When I arrived in 9th grade, and was asked what my Chinese name was, I regretfully told my Chinese language teacher, Ms. Qian, that I did not have one. It was at this point that I was christened Gu Bei. When I was first given my Chinese name, I thought it was cool. I now had a new name, a new part of my identity. Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed how much the name would become part of my identity. 

As people slowly learned of my Chinese name, there were many reactions. The most popular by far was laughter. I never really nailed down the reason for that, I didn’t think the name was that funny. However, many of the people I told my name to, both native Mandarin speakers and non-Mandarin speakers, immediately laughed at it. As more and more people started to learn my second name, I started to hear it outside of the Chinese classroom. Over the years, it has become synonymous with my English name. There are many people who call me Gu Bei more than Gabe. I have been told by one such person that in their mind, my name is Gu Bei, not Gabe, and that they sometimes forget my English name. Even my brother and friends at home, who I knew for many years before I was entitled Gu Bei, call me goober or some other riff off of it more than my real name.

This is not to say I have any problem with the personality Gu Bei has brought into my life. I love it, and I, too, have accepted Gu Bei as an equal name to my English name. The characters have almost become my informal signature for any non-legally binding documents. For about a year, I would put both of my names at the top of any paper I was given in class, though I have since stopped. Over the years, I have come to view Gu Bei as a full part of my identity and fully embraced it. 

I’ve learned how to make dumplings, I found a love for molecular biology of all things, and I started writing music, something I never thought I would do. 

Before Govs, I would not have thought this possible. My identity becoming synonymous with Mandarin characters is not what I expected when I arrived. And this is what I love about Govs. It has given me so many opportunities to experience things I never thought I would. I’ve learned how to make dumplings, I found a love for molecular biology of all things, and I started writing music, something I never thought I would do. 

Govs is a place of so many different cultures and different people, and that’s what I love most about it. I could give a million examples of what I’ve loved about my time here at Govs, and while I won’t do that many, I will give you two. Two of, not necessarily my favorite things about Govs, but moments of my experience that have stood out to me.

As most of you know, or can tell by looking at me, I’m not exactly the most athletic of people. However, I love sports. During my time at Govs, I have played 8 seasons of JV or thirds sports. Three years each on JV soccer and tennis, and two years on thirds basketball. And it's some of the most fun I’ve had. Sure, it’s hectic, and we may lose every game, but there’s something great about the lack of pressure that comes with it. I know this may not be a popular opinion—most who play sports value winning over anything else—and sure, I’d like to win. But for someone who’s not going anywhere as an athlete, much to the chagrin of my ten-year-old hoop dreams, JV sports are just pure fun. This is something I think is rare in the world now. Something with no stakes, no effect on grades or college or anything else. Something you can just do without worrying or stressing about. And that's why I love it. 

The other thing that makes JV sports fun is the people. The eclectic mix of varsity athletes from different sports, with non-athletes such as myself. A mix you won’t find anywhere else on campus. 

The other thing I want to talk about is the one thing I think everyone at Govs can agree on. The walk to Alfond is too long. 

Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, barring special cases, I have to walk to Alfond (the Alfond Coastal Research Center). And almost every day, I do not make it on time, which I know my mom loves to hear. To me, the walk to Alfond is a great snapshot of the differences in Govs culture. There are those who walk fast or leave early, prioritizing making it to class on time. And there are those who walk a little more slowly, saving time to take in the scenery and talk with friends. I am of the latter. And though I dreaded it at the beginning of the year, the walk to Alfond has become a maybe not welcome, we’re not there yet, but almost necessary routine in my day. Ten minutes, depending on how fast we’re moving, to be outside in the fresh air of the Govs campus, and talk with the same two people every day. Especially now that the weather is getting warmer, and we’re finally entering spring in Byfield, I no longer dread the long trek up the hill. As I’ve matured as an APES scholar, I’ve realized the value of the walk to Alfond. A time to slow down and smell the roses, well, once they bloom. 

This talk may feel jumbled and spliced together, but that reflects my identity. I’m a musician; it's my favorite thing in the world, but I’ve also played eight seasons of JV sports, something I would never give up. Govs has given me all sorts of pieces of my identity that maybe don’t fit together on paper, but have made me who I am. 

Gu Bei and Gabe are two different people; I can’t really explain it, but they are, and yet they are the same. This is what I leave you with. Let yourself be many different people smushed into one. Don’t confine yourself to one niche, branch out. Pick up a new sport, a new instrument, a new language, and who knows, you might pick up a new name along the way. Thank You. 

Govs has given me all sorts of pieces of my identity that maybe don’t fit together on paper, but have made me who I am.