Meet Bénit Namahoro Jabo '23! Bénit is a boarding student from Charlotte, NC. He has been a student at Rabun Gap since the eighth grade. He is an active member of the community. Bénit is an honor roll student, a Gap Guide, and a member of the soccer and wrestling programs. He enjoys sports, working out, and spending time with his friends in his free time.

Why did you choose to attend Rabun Gap?
The reason I chose Rabun Gap and I keep coming back every academic year is because I like the atmosphere of the Rabun Gap community. It has been the source of many memories and friendships that are going to stay with me for the rest of my life. I also like the weather because it is kind of similar to the weather in my home country, Rwanda. 

What is your favorite memory from Rabun Gap?
I don’t really have a specific favorite memory. I have a lot of memories from Rabun Gap that I really like. One activity I enjoyed was the junior hiking trip. I found the trip to be a lot of fun because I learned how to go camping, and how to spend a couple days in the wild away from civilization. I also made new friends from this trip and learned a lot of new things about people I hadn’t even talked to before the trip. 

What do you like most about your extracurriculars?
I really like the extracurriculars because they provide me with time to take my stress out or to stay healthy and stay in shape. For example, I like the soccer program because I have been playing soccer since I was a kid. Rabun Gap gave me the opportunity to play soccer competitively, and I found it even more fun than playing just for fun. I like the brotherhood and family-like bond that I have from my after-school activities with both my teammates and my coaches.

You are currently wrestling for your afternoon activity.  What has been your favorite thing about wrestling this season?
This wrestling season has been really fun so far. I have learned a lot of new things from both winning and losing. My favorite thing so far this season has been the practices. The atmosphere in the wrestling room has been really energetic because of new people and the new coaches. My favorite thing about practice is that it pushes me to go past my limits, and although the conditioning is difficult in the moment, the feeling of going into the third period knowing you have better conditioning than your opponent feels amazing.

What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class is Pre Calculus. Although the atmosphere in the class is relaxed, when it is time to get work done, we get serious and get the work done. I also like Mr. Brock and he’s definitely one of my favorite teachers.

What is it like being a Gap Guide?
Being a Gap Guide has been a fun experience for me. I get to meet new people and show them the place I spend most of my year. I also found that while giving a tour, you can learn a lot from the people you’re giving the tour to. It’s a chance to get to know them better.

 
What do you enjoy most about being a boarding student?
The thing I enjoy most about being a boarding student is my roommate. He’s been my big brother since we started being roommates during quarantine. I have learned a lot from him, and he’s pushed me to be a better version of myself.

Which Rabun Gap teachers and/or coaches have had the biggest impact on you during your time here?
Mr. and Mrs. Demmler have been a big impact on my time at Rabun Gap. I have known them since my middle school years and they have always been there to encourage me and support me. Another teacher/coach is Mr. Brooks. He has always been there for me as a coach, a teacher, and a great friend. Coach Fon has also always been one of my favorite people on this campus. He was my first wrestling coach and pushed me to keep on coming. He’s been both a coach to me and a father. Other coaches I have found impactful are Coach Stanghill and Coach Bozzi. Although this is my first season with them, I feel like they’ve already helped me out in the wrestling room, and have pushed me to break through my limits. 

What advice would you give another student who is interested in boarding and attending Rabun Gap?
I would advise someone who is trying to attend and board at Rabun Gap to try it out. It might look hard at the beginning, but you will meet a lot of new people and create a lot of lifelong memories.