As I sat down to try and figure out what I was going to write for my senior article, the song “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw came on. While I’ll fully admit I’m a huge country music fan, the words are what drew me to the song. Coincidentally the song came out right as I was about to enter high school.

The meaning found within the lyrics accurately portrayed important lessons I have learned. They are also what I have tried to illuminate throughout West these past four years; I encourage others to as well, no matter where they are coming from or going to next in life.

The first verse says, “Hold the door, please say thank you, don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but always stay humble and kind.” Much like walking into West the first day as a scared freshman, I soon learned that while there would be many obstacles to overcome, it would be well worth all the hard work. The simple kindness of someone holding the many doors that West has or someone thanking me for the hard work I have put into a project or test is what motivated me the most to continue on.

The song continues and explains, “When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you, when the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride but always stay humble and kind.” Although I was able to accomplish several dreams during my time at West, such as placing as one of the top competitors in agriscience at the National FFA Convention, I can honestly admit participating in the process was better than actually winning. Winning anything is simply the cherry on top. It is the experience or ice cream on the bottom that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Later the song gives the advice to, “Don’t expect a free ride from no one, don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why bitterness keeps you from flying. Always stay humble and kind.” If I have learned one thing from my time at West it would be that no one person is the same. I have had the privilege of being surrounded by students, staff and teachers that come from all walks of life. There were two hundred and forty four total stories written through the collective effort of our newspaper staff this year and not one repeat. I can guarantee you the stories told within those writings are stories about people who have accomplished and done such things because they worked hard rather than being handed a free ride.

The last verse of the song concludes with the words, “Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you when you get where you’re goin’ don’t forget to turn back around. Help the next one in line, always stay humble and kind.” Even though I don’t have enough room to write thank yous to all my teachers, friends and family for the love and support I have received from all of them, they are truly what has allowed me to get to where I am today and accomplish so many things. So as I conclude, I want to leave anyone reading this with the best advice I could give: always stay humble and kind. Being humble can be hard but the ability to think about others more than oneself will allow one to see what’s around them. Alongside humbleness is kindness which is free to give and can be shared at any time. While being kind to one person may not change the whole world, it could change the world for that one person.