Hi and welcome Hank
so great to read your excitment coming out. You say a lot of great things here - like supporting beginners - very important.
I actually just picked up one of those little Gio's as well and I think its a great guitar. And the little wider string spacing (compared to other electrics) is always a great thing for beginners.
Enjoy the journey and best of luck with your studies.
This year the diet is definitely gonna stick!