How I Go Columbia: GOP volunteer Vicky Bham

A native of Bensalem, Pa., Vicky Bham moved to Greenville in 2009 just before starting his freshman year of high school. It was there that he became involved in the YMCA’s Youth in Government program and developed a passion for politics.

“I had some great teachers in the social studies department at Mauldin High School and mentors in the program that really helped develop a real passion for politics well into my time in college,” Bham said.

Currently a finance major at the University of South Carolina, Bham recently served as an intern for Sen. Lindsey Graham’s presidential campaign. During his time in that position, Bham met S.C. Republican Party Chairman Matt Moore and the rest of the state’s party staff.

“Working on the campaign helped me realize how important it was that we Republicans win the next election,” Bham said. “So after Sen. Graham suspended his campaign, I decided that’s where I belonged – working for the state party.”

As far as who he will vote for in the S.C. Republican Primary on Saturday, Feb. 20, Bham won’t say.

“I can’t endorse anyone,” Bham said. “We remain impartial, as our primary goal is to support the party as a whole. As I say it, we cheer for anyone who has ‘Republican’ after their name.”

After graduation, Bham plans to pursue a master’s degree in accounting at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

EAT: I have lived in South Carolina for seven years now. I’ve eaten barbecue from across every part of this state, but it was during my first semester at USC that my older brother, then also a student here, introduced me to my favorite barbecue destination in the Carolinas. Southern Belly on Rosewood Drive in Columbia offers the finest pulled pork sandwich imaginable, all made with the freshest local ingredients and served with the finest slaw.

PLAY: Congaree National Park is my go-to destination for outdoor activities. A good hike on a trail is the best way to get my heart pumping and take in some fresh air. Canoeing in some of the many surrounding lakes and rivers is just another way I enjoy the outdoors – that is when I am not tipping over into the water. I tip over into the water a lot, and I laugh so hard I cry every time.

DRINK: I recently turned 21, so I have had the opportunity to visit some excellent bars, but by far the best I’ve tried is Bourbon on Columbia’s Main Street. There is always a whiskey I have yet to try and good conversation to be had with fellow bargoers.

LISTEN: When I am not running around town, I like to sit back and listen to the sounds of the busy campus bustling around me. When I get a chance, I make an effort to just lay in the grass of the historic USC Horseshoe, where I can close my eyes and just enjoy the sounds of college life going on all around me.

SEE: There is a lot to take in while living in Columbia. There is a rich history, and I often visit the State House grounds to take in the beauty of our great capitol. Columbia is full of great festivals to visit throughout the year, from the holiday lights to the chili festival in Five Points. I always love to take it all in.