Conversations in South St. Paul - Ep. 5 | Gio Rivera - SSP 7th Grader
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Personal introduction and interests (music, sports, theater)
Life as a middle school student in South St. Paul
Experiences with local libraries (Caposia Library)
The process of memorizing lines and theatrical performance
Youth activities and community gathering spots
Qualities of effective political leadership
Future career ambitions in politics
Governmental responsibilities and public meetings
Areas of Interest (5)
- South St. Paul sixth-grader declares ambition to eventually succeed the current Mayor.
- Concerns over the frequency of broken equipment at local public facilities like the 3D printer.
- Mayor actively courting boutique businesses to establish presence in South St. Paul.
- Youth advocate highlights the library's role as a makeshift community youth center.
- The impact of local theater programs on student engagement and community connection.
Notable Quotes (3)
I'm gonna change it up a bit and say my favorite song.
If I ever get married and they're willing, I might want to get married there. A little basement of the capital.
If I steal his job, I'm the new leader. He's retired. Yes. I will happily retire.
People (5)
Jimmy FrancisMayorMayor of South St. Paul who interviews residents and community members.
1 quote
Mayor of South St. Paul who interviews residents and community members.
“My favorite responsibility is running an organized meeting.”
Discussing his mayoral duties.
Gio (Giovani)StudentA sixth-grade theater student in South St. Paul with aspirations to be a politician.
2 quotes
A sixth-grade theater student in South St. Paul with aspirations to be a politician.
“I might steal your job, but I want to become a politician.”
Sharing his career goals with the Mayor.
“I feel like the library is already doing the makeshift role of a youth center.”
Discussing the need for dedicated youth spaces in the city.
SarahAdult Services LibrarianLibrarian who engaged with youth through school programs.
Librarian who engaged with youth through school programs.
Joe AtkinsUnspecifiedMet Gio at the library and complimented his attire.
Met Gio at the library and complimented his attire.
Mr. HolsonTheater TeacherDrama director at the local school with 15 years of experience.
Drama director at the local school with 15 years of experience.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (5)
- Conversations in South St. Paul (Podcast interview)
- Caposia Library opening event
- Ramona Quimby theater performance
- Thespian troop elections (two weeks prior)
- Monday public city council meetings (every two weeks)