(Disclaimer: The photo is supposed to be me looking into the sun to try and physically comprehend the said brightness in the title)
To whom it may relate too, there are a number of figures that one encounters throughout their lifetime that display qualities that can only be described as "powerful". Qualities that stick with you, stay with you and never seem to exit one's range of amazement. These encounters, often times, at least in my case, stay with me way after they actually take place.
They stay with me in my thoughts, my interactions with other peers afterward, as well as my reflections at night as I take out my contacts and wash my face listening to "Your Favorite Coffeehouse Rock" playlist on Spotify. Though I plan to leave this person anonymous as I describe my impression of them, I can't help but feel the urge to reveal the person's name in hopes that they will receive a special type of recognition that would potentially be appreciated. However, for now...I'll resist that urge and just ride the limits of anonymity as much as I can.
The methodical figure that I think of as I write this article is if anything a spectacle. Whenever I encounter this person, whether it be during a meal or in a classroom setting, this person forces me to at least try to engage in a level of thought and empathy that for most people would be uncomfortable. It's weird. Looking at all the variables of one's life and focusing on them so intently...trying to create partial answers to questions that most likely have no complete answers.
This person forces me to engage those thoughts but not without giving me the confidence and all the emotional means prior. These thoughts, though they may seem broad, aren't at all. They're, if anything, very concrete and well thought out. This person forces me to develop my thoughts and suggestions but not without leaving me speechless at his passion towards leaving his community better off. The person (*hint...is a Wake Forest Student) is unyielding when it comes to the betterment of the campus as a whole.
They have such an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the means and importance of the community that they actively make "rounds" all across campus in hopes of meeting someone they didn't know prior. If there is but one thing to commend them for, that assuredly would be a contender.
This person actively searches for the qualities that make what was a stranger (but not anymore) unique and attempts to make the person more aware of those qualities. Personally, I used to think the purpose of this person making conversation with everyone was to improve on themselves but I don't think that's the case anymore. As a bystander from afar, you see their attempts to enhance the community of the campus.
You see their eagerness, even at dismal hours, to listen to people and attempt to ameliorate their day. This person is truly genuine. All I have for this person is respect for the energy they invest in attempting to make people more aware of what makes them stand apart from the crowd (purely in a positive way).
This person seems like the ideal model of someone whose intentions are to bring out the best qualities in each person but who also encourages a sense of community as well. I believe they have a much better understanding of themselves than most people do. As someone who's been impacted by this "powerful" energy they bring, I have nothing but appreciation and eagerness.
Appreciation for the light and joy they have created in my life--eagerness in the pleasure I receive whenever I talk to this person because even now, after knowing this person for a while, they still have the same excitement to speak to me as if we were just meeting each other.
With that, this person has definitely made my college experience much brighter and exciting, and I hope to the people who are still reading this article that they have witnessed someone of this caliber. If not, just slide into my DM's and I'll introduce you to this person who has really impacted my life. Hopefully they may do the same for you.
