Kirk shows a little respect

by tyler kirk

 I can only imagine what it’s going to be like to shake Dr. Jones’ hand as my parents watch me graduate from their seats in the Family Arena.

 I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like to hear Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance pumping through the intercom system.

 I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like to stand on the corner of Hackmann and Diekamp Farm Trail as the underclassman drive by, horns honking; it’s too bad I can only imagine for now.

 However, the last three years have been anything but imaginary. They have been the best three years of my life, and I can only imagine that next year is going to be even better.

 Next year I’ll get to dress up like a Roman gladiator for Toga Day during Homecoming’s Spirit Week, I’ll get to sleep in while my younger peers fill in circles with their #2 pencils, and I’ll get to stand by the sides of my fellow Hollenbeck Hawks as we pull our hardest in a game of tug of war against the Barnwell Bulldogs.

 With each of these events under my belt, I’ll have learned more lessons than words in the Dictionary.

 As a senior, sometimes we’ll have respect bestowed upon us, but those situations are the time to prove yourself, to show you truly understand.

 I finally began to understand it 23 days ago. See, this story you’re reading didn’t meet the deadline and was turned in late.

 A fellow staffer and my adviser said a few words to me about respect; that was enough to turn my world upside down.

 I realized that by not turning in my story, I gave off the message that I didn’t care about what I was doing; I was at the plate with the chance to hit the walk off home run and I was striking out. I learned that people don’t think I care unless I swing for the fences.

 But you’ve got to step up to the plate, too. This isn’t a column you’re supposed to read, ball-up, and throw in the trash; this isn’t free advice.

 You may not realize how important respect is, but when you do, the changes will be instantaneous.

 I’ve changed for the better; why can’t you?
I can only imagine how my life will change.
I can only imagine how I will change your life.
I can only imagine how you will change other’s lives; it’s too bad I can only imagine for now.

 However, in time, I’ll get to see lives change, and you and I will be the ones changing them.