Last year, my first year at Mount Mercy, I met people that changed the perspective on life. The words "privilege" and "humble" had a whole new meaning to me. And one person that changed that made me realize this was Colin Johnson.
I met Colin my first semester at Mount Mercy. I saw this kid from Bakersfield, California and I was thought to myself, "Who the hell is this five-foot nothing white boy?"
You can't judge a book by its cover. The first time I talked to him, I thought he was going to come to me with a "little-man syndrome" attitude and judge me because I was just another kid from California just trying to play baseball in Iowa. But as we conversed, he was the most humble person I met. Our first conversation was your typical icebreaker we all have when a transfer goes to a school out-of-state, "Where are you from? Why did you choose here? What's your major?"
When I arrived to Mount Mercy, Colin was a transfer from Bakersfield Community College and already had a year under his belt at Mount Mercy. Prior to his last year of eligibility of playing baseball, he was the back up infielder in his three years he had played in college baseball. His senior was his last chance to get a starting job and give it all he had.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. Though he spot started almost every other game, the spot was taken by a transfer who ended up getting a Conference Golden Glove award at the end of the year. I know Colin's feelings and emotions were shredded because he, literally, quoted in a couple of occasions that "I gave up my right nut from this team."
Although things didn't go his way: classes pushed him back from playing the first week of the season, didn't get a starting spot and didn't get to play in the "senior day" game, he always kept his composure and never let himself down.
Being a bench player for four year is rough, and I can attest to that. But being aside Colin everyday last year made me realize I can't be mad for being on the bench. What's being mad going to do? Complaining isn't going help to get playing time. It's not going to change anything. It's a privilege to be part of a team. Make the most of it and try to help out the team some way, some how.
When I see people that don't give 100 percent, pouts or complains about something everyday irritates me. Colin was the total opposite. Colin is the definition of humble. He would give up anything (well besides his family) to be part of a team and to play baseball. He always worked hard and was the student of the game. He never took things for granted.
When our season ended, finishing in third place in the conference tournament and was one game away from winning a conference title, for some of us, it was a special season we wouldn't forget. After being on a championship team, there is nothing better than building a brotherhood that would last a lifetime. Though we didn't win a conference championship or make it to the the NAIA tournament, a brotherhood was created and is something we would have forever.
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| Colin and I carving the Turkey at the Mount Mercy 2012Thanksgiving dinner. Ill miss you bro! |
Being Colin's last semester here at Mount Mercy this Fall is a sad feeling for most us on the baseball team. He was the guy to go to for help and was willing to go out of his way to save them from whatever it was that person needed. He was the guy to make you laugh and to make fun of. He was one of those guys you go to ask advices for when you needed one. He was that friend when you needed a shoulder to cry on, he would be there for you.
As he packs is belongings to leave for California tomorrow afternoon, there is a present of sorrowfulness. I was thinking the other day that you never realize what you have until its gone. For those of us that have another semester or another year at Mount Mercy, it hasn't really hit us yet. Even though Colin is coming back for graduation in May, the presence of Colin Johnson would not be there. but when January comes, though Colin wouldn't be there, he would be there in spirit to most of us.
As I write this blog, it makes me think of when it is my time to graduate and move onto the real world. I wonder how I would be remembered as a person to some people.
I am a person that is horrible at keeping in touch with most people. As a resolution in life, I am going to keep in touch with all my friends as much as possible.
Colin will be truly missed, especially the ones whom have lived with him.
Lastly, I just wanted to thank Colin for everything he has done for me since I met him. He gave me "privilege" and "humble" a new meaning.
I'll miss you and love you bro!
-Jun
"Always keep the loved ones close to you, because you never know when they are going to be taken away"
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