Ah, Aretha, sing it girl. But not for too long, because this post isn’t about you…or even about a girl. It’s about a student I’ve worked with named Adam Driscoll and more than just a little bit of respect. Respect is one of those ideas that means a lot of things to lot of people, from tolerance to agreement to just being nice. However, at the root of anyone’s definition of respect is the understanding that someone other than oneself is worthy of giving one’s time and attention to for observing and processing what they are communicating. In its simplest form, respect is experienced by people when others are truly willing to consider what they have to say.
Adam is someone who shows respect very well and always has. Way back in the day when he was shorter than me (the average age male students surpass me in height is around 15), Adam was just as unruly as any young person with Y chromosomes typically is. So when not quite stellar ideas involving bottle rockets, fire, guys piled on top of each other, trampolines, etc. were put into practice, Adam occasionally always participated. But unlike many of his peers, when someone in “authority” like me had to ruin the fun, Adam had an off switch that he had the maturity to flip himself. He was often the first one to stop, the first one to listen, and—even more impressive—the first one to get others to do the same. And that respect for others continued, pursuing advice in situations I never did but should have, seeking to learn even as a leader, and thanking and complimenting people for what they taught him. Adam has repeatedly made time to value me and others by hearing and considering what we have to say, and what it means to me is a lot. Now a medical student, he will be well-served by this respect for both his professional colleagues and especially his patients. For your respect to me (soon-to-be) Dr. Driscoll, thank-you very much!
Has someone always respected you enough to listen to and process what you have to say? Heal their hereafter by letting them find out what it means to you; sock it to ’em with some gratitude today!
Whenever I express appreciation for a way a person has contributed to my life, it’s fun to respect them by promoting a cause they value. One of Adam’s is His Mansion Ministries, a Christian organization offering a variety of counseling services and community engagement for people with addictions of many kinds. Their 12 month program seeks to equip clients to successfully become fulfilled and productive in society, and they offer internships to teach students how to helpfully approach and aid their clientele as well. Visit here for more info!
