A Humbling Moment

I am enrolled in a Creative Writing class. Though another English class is a requirement for me, I chose to wait for a fall semester when this Creative Writing class is offered. I like to write, though I dont usually have a whole lot of structure or point to my stories, I sometimes get a bug where I feel like writing. So anyways, I thought it would be good for me. Its also my "release" class. All my other class (with the exception of Lifesaving) are pretty tedious (and Im using the word "pretty" VERY loosely).
And so far, it has been my release class. This week, more than any others so far, has been crazy. And if I do say so myself - just a bad week. I had 2 tests, each in my more difficult classes. Neither of which I felt prepared for. I had 2 different article reviews to type up, having to find the articles on my own too, (which if you dont know, is just a hassle in itself). I had a partner presentation in my night class, which we had to put together, then prep for, then present Thursday night. I had a quiz in another class. I also had a lab report due in one class. Study sessions all throughout the week. Plus trying to get all my homework done. Needless to say, it was just a very stressful, very trying week.
But Creative Writing is my class where I didnt have anything that was mandatorally due (yes I believe I just made up that word). Creative Writing was my class where I got to sit, listen to people around me speak, listen to my professor talk, read different poems (which arent my favorite, but at least its not formulas in Organic Chemistry), and take a few deep breaths. I even had to turn in my journal last week and got it back from my professor on Monday - he had good things (and bad things) to say. He was encouraging and thought I was entertaining and have a lot of ideas. (He didnt read most of it though, cuz they were short stories and we are focusing on poetry right now.) But he was encouraging.
Anyways. In the midst of all this hecticness of the week, we got in our groups in Creative Writing on Wednesday. Though none of us had written anything, we sat and just chatted with each other anyways, getting a better idea of who each of us were.
Let me paint you a picture. Theres me, two other girls, and a guy. Were all different from each other, but we each bring something to the table. The one guy is mildly short and wears black a majority of the time. Hes not scary, but at the same time, hes not a small guy - hes tough looking - I wouldnt mess with him. The first day we got in our group I thought, hmmm this will be interesting. Not knowing what to expect, but already forming my own opinions (which is normal for me). I knew he must have a soft spot though, because he was wearing a Mickey Mouse watch. The first poem he read to us, that he had written, was a prayer to God, thanking him for the things he had given him. It was completely unexpected, but I was intrigued. I knew at that moment I had him all wrong. I still wouldnt pick a fight with him, but I knew he had a story, a passion for his Lord.
So Wednesday, in our groups, we began sharing how we came to CBU. I am the only one who didnt transfer, so my story ended up going last. David went first. It began by a comment made by another girl about him and he began asking us what our impressions were of him. I said, "You seem hard core to me." His response? "Why? What do you mean??" In my head, I feel like, I know Im not the least intimidating person. But Im not surprised when people tell me that. Why does this comment surprise you?? But I continued to explain that I wouldnt mess with him. Still confused, I elaborated. "Ok. If I had to walk down a dark alley and needed someone to walk with, I would walk with you. I would feel safe with you. (Which, to you readers, is not something I feel with a lot of guys.) I wouldnt want to walk with a guy who I feel I would have to protect." He laughed and understood. So anyways. Back to the story.
He began telling us he transferred from USC. Obviously, transferring out of USC is a bit of a big deal, seeing as so many people want to go there. We asked him why he came to CBU and he said, "Religious reasons." He really didnt want to reveal a whole lot on his own... I found out why a short few sentences later. We continued probing him, asking him why he left. Finally he said, "Well, I played football there... I just wasnt a playboy. All the guys on the football team had women all over them and would drink and I dont do any of that. At all. I would never do that. So it came down to I didnt want to be around that anymore." Hold up... Back up. "You played football at USC???" He kinda laughed and nodded. I really dont know a whole lot about college sports, but I know that USC football is a BIG deal. No, its a BIG deal. Come to find out a bit later - he was not only on the football team, he was a starter. Think you know cool people? Lets compare stories.
I was completely and totally amazed. He told us his dad and grandfather were pastors and that was always his calling but decided USC was for him. After some time, he and his dad decided it wasnt for him. And he came to Cal Baptist. He wasnt all roses though - he admitted sometimes he misses it. Misses that, but knowing where he could be right now, terrifies him and hes more than happy he navigated away from it and towards God. Its also bittersweet for him because hes going to have a lot of debt once he graduates from here, so knowing he had a full ride for football at USC was comforting. WHAT?! Who the heck is this kid??
And the whole time he shared with us, he continued to say, "Please dont take this comment as if Im arrogant, because I really am not and I strive not to be." Knowing how many guys are walking around campus, with their chests puffed out because they play on a good intramural flag football team, or something like that, is appalling. Knowing where this guy comes from and the fact that he goes about his business and doesnt even wear his UCS FOOTBALL shirts is inspiring.
Further talk came to reveal he is from East County and went to West Hills, a high school that is in my high schools district. It is such a small world... even with over 6 billion people living in it.
I hope you were as amazed at this guys story as I was. I seriously am in awe. He came from the cool of the cool. I feel like football players at USC often get drafted into the NFL... but I could be wrong. His life could have been so different. He could have had anything he wanted. He could have gone to school for free. He could have a huge ego. But he didnt. And he doesnt. He is cooler than a lot of guys I know. Sure, because of what hes done, but mainly because of the decisions hes made. He gave up everything to come to little Cal Baptist, who lacks a football team, and will now be in debt, all because he wanted to serve the Lord and pursue after Him with everything he had. I dont know about you, but in my opinion, that is very humbling.