On the summery morning of Tuesday, March 26, I had the honor of interviewing Mrs. Kelley Paul. She is an influential figure in the writing and political world, someone others might know as the wife and equal to Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky.
After I discovered she was an alumnus of Russellville High School, I reached out to request a sit-down interview. They responded immediately, and before I knew it, I was sitting with Mrs. Paul at a table in Coffee and Eggs (a morning-type restaurant).
The main purpose of the interview was to shine a light on her origins of which so many of us can relate. Mrs. Paul outgrew what some might call the “Border of Russellville” and made a name for herself. She’s written multiple pieces for CNN, written for the Lexington Herald Leader, was a featured person in the New York Times, has walked the red carpet for Time Magazine’s most influential people, and wrote her own memoir: “True and Constant Friends: Love and Inspiration from Our Grandmothers, Mothers, and Friends”.
Her story is inspiring and has motivated me as a writer. Mrs. Kelley Paul is living proof that being raised in a small town, especially Russellville, doesn’t determine what you can achieve in the present or future. I want to thank Mrs. Paul, Ms. Kelsey Cooper, Mrs. Diane Crawley, WBKO, and everyone who was involved with the interview.
It was broadcasted on WBKO news that evening and can be seen at https://www.wbko.com/content/news/Russellvile-High-School-student-interviews-Kelley-Paul-Rand-Pauls-wife-507703551.html?jwsource=cl.
Also, be on the lookout, I’ll be publishing the actual interview very soon!