“I chose good morals and justice as the meaning of my life because it’s not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you.” –Dylan Phillips

 

During the same “First Experience” where I met Nicole, we were told to split up into specific majors, so I went with all of the AYA ILA majors to a room on the third floor of the Education Building.  Being a naturally eager learner, I decided to sit in the first row.  Soon after I sat down, a guy with ripped jeans, tattoos, and a baseball cap sat in the seat next to me.  Dr. Murnen, who was leading the class, handed out a classic novel assessment and we began filling out the worksheet, first naming the author of each work if we could, then checking whether we’ve read it and if we would feel comfortable teaching it.  As I was filling out mine, I glanced over and saw that the guy next to me had checked several books to signify that he’d be comfortable teaching them, while I only had about three checked off.  Because I don’t like being shown up and I’m a bit petty, my first impression of him was that he was pretentious and annoying.  Weeks later, after we had become friends through Intro to Ed. and Critical Thinking, I realized that boy was Dylan.  After actually getting to know him and realizing that my first impression was completely wrong, I’ve recognized that Dylan is honestly one of the nicest guys I know.  Not only does he have very polite manners (he always holds doors, excuses himself, apologizes for trivial things such as accidentally interrupting someone, etc.), but he also genuinely cares about others – his friends as well as strangers.  He’ll help someone if they, say, dropped something, or hold the door for several people, or randomly compliment strangers on their outfits.  With his friends, he always tries to be of help if possible, and when I asked him to be a part of this project for me, he obliged immediately.  This kindness, I know, will help him achieve his meaning in life, which he says is to be remembered fondly.  Through having good morals and standing up for his beliefs, he ensures that others will see him as I do – as a good friend, and simply a nice guy. In his own words, "The world isn't nice to jerks" (he also reminded me he is not a wordsmith).  Through this new friendship, I am reminded everyday by Dylan’s actions to be kind to others, whether it’s as simple as holding a door or as complex as figuring out in about 10 minutes what your meaning of life is for a friend's project.  I’m so glad that my friendship with Dylan has grown over this past semester and that he is able to set such a good example for me of how I want to act towards others.