Political Leaders 2006 Profile: Steven Gould

Name:  Steven Gould
Age:  25
Born: May 24, 1981 in Danville
Current Digs: Richmond
Occupation: Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Policy
Favorite part about the job:   Directing our summer Governor’s Fellows Program, which was how I got my start in state government.  It’s incredibly rewarding to help others have that same experience.
First job ever?  Working as a referee for youth soccer games when I was a sophomore in high school.
Favorite book?  Probably a tie between The Shad Treatment by Garrett Epps and The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen Carter
Favorite movie?  Dumb and Dumber, hands down.  It’s the Citizen Kane of my generation.
Must See TV?  Any UNC basketball game, Grey’s Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, Entourage, Best Week Ever, and Seinfeld and West Wing reruns.
Comfort food?  Without a doubt, it’s sweet tea.  Burritos and ice cream are right there, too.
What's in your car CD player right now?  Oh No, the new album by OK Go.
Next journey?  Most likely home to Danville to see my family.
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  I was a serious mathlete in high school, although somehow I don’t think people will be surprised.  A safer bet is that I love hip hop.  It’s what I grew up listening to.
Last gift you received?  A copy of David Sedaris’ Me Talk Pretty One Day from my girlfriend.
Best advice you ever got?  Don’t do anything your mom wouldn’t be proud of.
Whom do you admire and why?  All the teachers I’ve had in my life, from the Danville school system to my colleagues in the Governor’s Office over the last few years, who’ve taught me everything I know about state government.  I wouldn’t have achieved anything without all of them.  And my mom is the best teacher I ever could have asked for.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?  Bill Clinton; he was the first political figure that I was drawn to growing up.  If he’s not free, then Justin Timberlake.  That kid can dance.
Ambition, political or otherwise?  Hopefully to attend law school and practice somewhere in Virginia.  I’d also love to move back home eventually and help to make it so that others can do the same.
Describe a perfect day.  Sleep in until around 8:30 or 9, grab a quick, light breakfast from Biscuitville before playing tennis for an hour or two.  Turkey sandwich for lunch before reading by the pool or on the beach all afternoon.  Follow that up with a great dinner, probably Mexican, with good friends, excessive amounts of ice cream, and a new movie in the theater.