The Arrow’s “The Museum of Me”

Bradley Phillips is an associate professor of commercial multimedia and works in SEMO’s art and design department. He teaches photography to students in hopes of sharing his love for the art with them, striving to see them become professionals in visual literacy. Here, find out more about three items that matter to Phillips. (Submitted photo.)

His wedding ring Bradley met his wife, Leslie, five years ago. He married her a year later on New Year's Day, atop the Marquette building in Cape Girardeau. “She’s the nicest person I’ve ever met in my life; I’ve never met anyone like her before,” Bradley said. “She’s kind of amazing in every way.” When reflecting on how the couple met, Bradley remembers meeting through a mutual friend and being nervous, but hitting it off well enough to schedule a date for the following night. Phillips said his ring gives him a constant reminder of the love they share, and he enjoys being able to walk around with it everyday. (Photo by Kaylie Davis ~ Social Media Manager)

A bat from table tennis used by his grandfather, Ken. Bradley’s other grandfather, Kenith Balwin, was born and raised in England. He then moved to Corona, Calif., along with his family. Balwin spent some time in the military, where he played exhibition matches in table tennis. “It was just like Forrest Gump, where they have these big matches, and they’re 20 feet from the table,” Bradley said. He remembers growing up and playing table tennis all of the time with his grandfather. Bradley said his grandfather insisted on calling the game table tennis instead of ping pong, and a paddle was called a bat. “He was a ferocious competitor,” Bradley said. “He was a really good guy.” After his grandfather’s passing, Bradley was able to take an item of his grandfather’s to keep as a memory, so he chose this bat. (By Kaylie Davis ~ Social Media Manager)

A 1949 boxing trophy from his grandfather. Bradley’s late grandfather, Peyton “Joe” Phillips, won this trophy in the Junior Welterweight boxing category in 1949. “I’ve been told many times that he and I are very, very much alike, so I kind of hold on to the things that he had,” Bradley said. Bradley said he and Joe were alike in two ways: They were both educators and very athletic. While reflecting on his grandfather’s trophy, Bradley said he gets to see a side of his grandpa he never experienced when growing up; it gives him an insight into who he was and what he accomplished. (By Kaylie Davis ~ Social Media Manager)