Bryona Golding is an English teacher at Bellevue High School. She and her husband, Graham, visit their favorite coffee shop in Pioneer Square each weekend.
I met Bryona and Graham one weekend. They were accustomed to the usual vendor, Joey. She asked me where Joey was. I explained I was the club vendor working extra hours.
“Well, you’re Joey today,” Bryona said, which meant she bought a newspaper from me, plus bought me coffee and breakfast.
One day I noticed Bryona visiting the café during the week, outside her normal routine. We chatted. She told me she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had just started her first rounds of chemotherapy.
Weeks went by, and our conversations grew longer. I witnessed Bryona survive bouts of chemo and lose her hair, but not her spirit and radiance. Her compassionate nature never faltered. Despite her challenges, Bryona continued to endear me with her acts of kindness. Let’s meet Bryona.
How long have you been reading Real Change?
At least 12 years, maybe more.
Do you think there is a solution to ending economic inequality in our society?
I think that ending economic injustice and inequality is tied to the even bigger challenge of creating a society built around compassion instead of competition.
Is there content that you would like to see in Real Change that is currently not there?
Nope — I love Real Change and its coverage of issues that aren’t addressed in more mainstream media.
Do you have a favorite writer or column from Real Change?
I mostly don’t pay as much attention to the writers as to the articles, so I’m not sure. I do love Dr. Wes’s column. His frustration and sarcasm resonate with mine.
How do you define God?
I don’t believe in a sentient being, but I believe that whatever it is that makes us alive is sacred.
Who is your favorite historical figure and why?
One of my favorites: Socrates. I love that one of his goals was to teach people to think for themselves and that he recognized that asking questions to help people discover answers was a better way of reaching true learning and knowledge than just giving them the answers himself.
If today was your last day on Earth how would you spend it?
With my family and my dogs, telling them I love them and probably making lots of really stupid jokes.
Do you have an inspirational mantra that you live by?
Two of them: “Ever tried, ever failed, no matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” — Samuel Beckett
“Be pitiful [kind], for every man is fighting a hard battle.” — Ian MacLaren.
What is the last book you read?
I just finished “Charming Billy” by Alice McDermott.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m shy. Most people think I’m really outgoing, but that’s because when I’m nervous I get loud. Inside, I’m actually terrified.