As a 2020 graduate of Queen Creek High School (QCHS), Gus Campbell continues to carry the lessons and experiences from his time at QCHS into his college education and professional career.
Looking back on high school, Campbell said some of his favorite memories came from playing football and building relationships with his teammates.
“The experiences that occurred in high school that really defined my high school years were probably playing football with my teammates,” Campbell said. “Having kind of like a brotherhood growing up there.”
For Campbell, QCHS was about more than academics. “It was much more than a school,” he said. “It was truly a pleasure and an experience.”
One person who made a lasting impact was Coach Austin Watkins. “He was an amazing mentor in my life. He was an amazing coach, person, and teacher,” Campbell said. “He had an unbelievable impact on my life about just how to treat people and how to navigate certain situations.”
Campbell also remembers a social studies project that taught him a practical lesson: filing taxes. “We essentially filed taxes in class,” he said. “Looking back, I really wish I paid even more attention to that specific project.”
Today, Campbell works as a landman in the energy industry, where he handles leasing, acquisitions, title research, and negotiations. He said the ability to work with others has been one of the most valuable skills he took with him from QCHS.
“I would think the number one trait that set me up for success was to be able to work with anybody,” Campbell said. “Being able to essentially be a chameleon and blend in however you need to for any specific assignment, group, task, whatever it is.”
His advice to his freshman self is simple: “Be patient. Don’t rush everything. Everything comes with time.”
Campbell remains proud of his roots. “I am a firm believer that you are where you came from,” he said. “Very proud to be born and raised in Queen Creek.”