The Executive Director of Watchdawgs, on the night of his 21st Birthday, much to the chagrin of many, did not drink. He volunteered.

The cynic will say that he did it to make a point. It worked. But after reading this e-mail he wrote to some of us about his birthday, I feel obligated to acknowledge his humanity, compassion, and deep-seated maturity.
Thank You, Ben

"When you read this, you may think I am crazy. You may think I am stupid, or you may think I am loser. But I am going to share with you a story; one that changed my life forever.
I got behind the wheel of 2003 Ford Expedition. I am not used to driving SUVs, but I must say it was a very smooth vehicle. Anyway, it was 21st birthday. I just turned 21 that night before I got behind the wheel of the vehicle. It was a rental, of course.
Anyway, I've been driving since I was 15, so I felt confident I could handle myself. I pulled out of College Place Saturday night with a lighted sign on the top, a very pretty navigator in the passenger seat, and six open seats in the back. Armed with a cell phone and 12 of my favorite CDs, we rolled right over to the corner of College Avenue and Washington Street. Once there, I saw a few of my fellow red-shirted friends taking names of people of who needed a ride, and before I knew it, I was giving my first ride home to four fellow students.
I gave 18 rides that night. It's funny, I think. Everyone was so nice to me. Everyone wanted to know why I was driving people home on their 21st. Everyone thanked me over and over. I saw a lot of people I knew too. A lot of my good friends volunteered that night, and even some of my fraternity brothers came out to support me. I even got some hugs from pretty hot chicks too. That is always a plus. I finished up at 4:00am in the morning, and then I drove straight home to Woodstock, Ga. My parents gave me a big hug, the kind you could only get from your parents at 5:45 in the morning. Then, I went upstairs to my room and passed out. People, for weeks, would try to persuade me to get wasted on my birthday. Not that I minded. I love a good drink every now and then. Trust me; if you know me, you know what I am talking about. But that isn't the point. The common point I heard was that I only turned 21 once. Damn right I did. And I did something that I can never change. I made a difference in 18 people's lives. They didn't get behind the wheel, they didn't walk home alone. I ensured their safety. Not many people can say they did that. Am I arguing for people not to get wasted on their 21st? Yeah, right. But there is a message here. I have learned that for most people, the biggest difference that can make is during their most inconvenient times. Is it convenient to work at a soup kitchen or volunteer at a local school? Is it convenient to go join a student organization like WatchDawgs or SGA? Is it convenient to save lives, to listen to a friend, or even to write to the Red&Black an opinion?

Defy expectations, defy yourself, and become the person you want to be. The only way you will ever do this is by stepping out of your comfort zone; doing things you never thought you would do. Finding out who you are is what life is all about. It takes courage and faith to find the truth and power about yourself. You will never be the person you want to be without dedication, hard work, and faith in yourself. I'm 21 now. By my actions and words, I am who I am. Are you? "

"When people think you're dying they listen
instead of waiting for their turn to speak." -Fight Club

If we made new years resolutions in September instead of January, this one would be mine. To listen to people.

Most people, myself sometimes included, can get so caught up in themselves; so caught up in their lives, that they forget that everyone else is just as important. We give ourselves special treatment because we are fully aware of our motives. But if someone else messes up, we jump on them as inconsiderate.
If you speed, and cut someone off in traffic, then you must be in a hurry. It's important.
If someone speeds and cuts you off in traffic, then they are inconsiderate and don't know how to drive.

But it's even more basic than that. It comes down to listening; a skill which few people cultivate. To be able to step back and forget any problems you may have for even ten minutes, and listen with genuine interest to another's problems. That is love, that is compassion. That should be human nature. Most people, when they begin to listen, they are immediatly reminded of a story they have, or a quick answer they have, or one of their own problems. And all they really want to do is tell that one. But the better thing is to look past yourself, your story, your problem, and to find another interesting.

Maybe that is why we write. Because no one can interrupt when you aren't actually speaking.

"In these past few days, when I've seen myself.
I've seemed like someone else."

I am the same. Everybody else is the same. But circumstance has changed us all.
I find that I am the same person that I was one month ago. But I relate to everybody, with my mother only exempt, differently. I am caught in a year that has taken me off guard. Busy with all manner of jobs and duties, I find myself reacting to a diverse crowd. Some of the same friends, some new friends... and some very old friends. But exactly not the people I would have guessed I'd be reacting to.

I have found myself again this year. Called up to several tasks at once, I find myself in several leadership roles where I was in none only a dozen measly monthes ago.... leading a youth group.... organizing watchdawgs.... finding paths and people for Disciples on Campus...
How all of this came together at one time is beyond me. I am booked but never over booked. I am busy but never paniced.

I hesitate to be to swift in blaming God, he seems to take too much grief for things that he obviously didn't do. But there is something perternatural about my schedual now, and the people to whom I communicate. They are almost, but not completely, the antithesis of those to whom I thought I would be conversing with.