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earning. It’s something our parents think we do every day here in college. It is something I do every day. But it’s not always academic learning. I learn life lessons on a pretty regular basis that usually spur from making mistakes. This is a frequent occurence. I am the queen of saying things and immediately having a wave (tsunami) of regret wash over me. Chances are, if you’ve ever talked to me, I’ve said something that I didn’t mean. Please accept my sincerest apologies. Just laugh at me and move on – that’s what I do.
ut I digress.
y point is, I’ve learned something this semester. Quite a few things, actually. I’ve discovered that I have this weird desire to be a podcast/radio host. Don’t ask because I don’t know why. Just trust me that I would have a killer show. I also have learned that few things are as uncomfortable as walking across the bridge from the village to campus in the mornings as the white concrete burns your retinas and makes you squint like an idiot. My fellow Gosser and East Village friends know exactly what I’m talking about.
hird, people are going to keep getting engaged. We all know this, especially during this time of the year. Every weekend, there are at least a few gushy Facebook updates and Instagram posts. Every Sunday night, there is another blowout. Every day, there is a new shower and/or wedding invitation. I could not be happier for my friends and fellow students for their journeys toward happily ever after. Really. I’m quite the sap and love nothing more than living vicariously through them. But I’ve learned to just accept the fact that they have found “the one” and I am in a committed relationship with Netflix, cookie dough and the game “2048” on my iPad – which I beat last weekend.
owever, that isn’t my point. Granted, I could go on for eons about that particular subject. But I will spare the ink and page space it would require.
he real lesson I’m quite proud to have truly begun learning is the idea that everyone has a story. Every single person. Think about that for a second. That guy who held the door open so you could walk into the building could have lost a parent. The lady who works in the cafeteria, always smiling, could have gone through some really traumatic or really incredible life experience. That girl in your 8 a.m. class who talks entirely too much for the time of day could have a really interesting and unique hobby that you didn’t even know existed.
This idea is not new. But how often do we actually think about it? How many times have I looked at someone and only seen the things I want to see and judged someone based on only the things I know? Too many times to count. But how many times do I talk to someone and really get to know them and what they’ve been through and what makes them the way they are? Not enough. That’s for sure.
But I’m learning.
My time on newspaper staffs, both in high school and here at Ouachita, have helped me begin to see people in a new light. As a staff writer in high school, I wrote a story about a foreign exchange student from Russia, a friend of mine who painted t-shirts and a teacher’s husband who donated plasma. In college, I’ve interviewed (among others) Colton Dixon, Rex Horne, Ian Cosh (more than once), more than one Miss OBU, Student Senate presidents and Mr. Ricky from the caf – there is never a dull moment. I’ve learned so much and had so many amazing conversations that I can’t help but say that I have the best job in the world. I get to ask people questions about the things they love and watch their eyes light up when they talk about whatever that thing may be.
That being said, the emotions I’ve witnessed are nothing short of inspiring. I’ve heard joyous laughter, felt tangible excitement and seen heart-wrenching tears. People feel so incredibly much and how often to they just get to unleash all of that emotion, without it falling on deaf ears?
So I guess all I’m trying to say with this is to love people. We have been given a unique opportunity to live life here at Ouachita – a place full of people with stories of the miracles of the Lord and talent that is absolutely, positively unmatched. Get to know these people. Ask questions. More than that, listen to the answers. Process what someone is saying when they’re telling a story. Maybe they will say something to pique your interest. Dig deeper. Find out why. Why everything. Why did you choose your major? What do you love about your major? Are you a cat or dog person? What’s your biggest pet peeve? The list of questions you can ask people is literally endless. (Yes. The word “literally” is actually appropriate for that instance.)
If it seems weird to just ask people random questions, remember this: people actually do like to talk about themselves. Some might act like they don’t, but they’re probably just not used to it.
I suppose this isn’t exactly timely if you look at it as advice, seeing as how the semester is over. But as a reflection, it pretty much sums up my semester. Often, I get so caught up in myself and all the dramatic happenings of my life that I forget that the people around me are so much cooler than me. It makes absolutely no sense that I would waste so much time focusing on myself when there is this unending sea of incredible stories begging to be told.
Surely this problem isn’t unique to just me. Hopefully I’m not the only person on this campus who forgets sometimes that we are here as a really special community with an insanely cool bond. Maybe I am. Either way, let this be an encouragement to you and me to never stop asking questions and to not grow weary in doing good – through taking interest in the lives and triumphs and sorrows of others. People are really incredible. And whether you label yourself as a “journalist” or not, I think you should go out of your way to “interview” people. It doesn’t have to be formal – just genuine.
Again, maybe I’m the only one, but I find great joy in people watching. I absolutely love just observing people as they interact with one another and as they go about their business. It gives you a strange sense of respect for people when you take a minute to appreciate life through the eyes of another person. Get to know how someone else thinks and how they see the world. It will open up your horizons more than you ever thought possible. My sincere hope is that you and I both will never forget the infamous words of B-b-b-bill Nye the Science Guy (BillBillBillBillBill, Bill Nye the Science Guyyyy): “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.”
Let’s commit to really learn something even the top-notch professors of Ouachita could never teach us. Let’s learn to ask. And, more importantly, learn to listen.
