KENNESAW, Ga. – Raymond Goslow is a sponge for information who grew up watching “Jeopardy!” — two traits that helped him land second place in the 2022 “Jeopardy! National College Championship”.
“Being a very interdisciplinary-minded person and, I think, being very positive and optimistic in general just about life helps as well,” said Goslow, 24, of Austell, who competed as a senior at Kennesaw State University. “That makes me want to engage with all kinds of people and all kinds of knowledge.”
Goslow had graduated by the time the show aired last month, making him into an instant local celebrity. He now works as a public library assistant in Cobb County.
Goslow grew up watching “Jeopardy!” and playing along by answering questions. But he said it was all the accumulated knowledge of his interdisciplinary major, library work and hobbies — including crossword puzzles — that prepared him to compete on the show. He made it to the finals and ultimately won second place and a $100,000 cash prize.
Goslow said he does not have concrete plans for the money yet, but is glad he doesn’t have to spend it on student loans after living at home for most of college and availing himself of Georgia’s lottery-funded HOPE scholarship.
Fame has been an adjustment for Goslow since the championship aired. He was taken aback by the long lines of fellow KSU students who showed up to take pictures and congratulate him at the campus watch party the night of the final episode.
“I definitely used to be an introvert, but now I’m not so sure,” Goslow said. “I had a lot of fun at the watch party shaking hands with everybody in line and getting to know them just a little bit.”
Since then, he has continued to get recognized in public and his social media following has grown. Although he has responded to many well-wishers online, Goslow said he is trying to find balance with celebrity life.
“I have a job and a life and people in my life that get priority over random people on the internet,” Goslow said. “That’s gonna be kind of a challenge for me to navigate, but I’ll make it work.”
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