The Guy You Pick On

http://www.inc.com/30under30/2010/profile-lukas-biewald-chris-van-pelt-crowdflower.html

Once upon a time, in a land far away named Spencer, I picked on a guy I called Fatty. Now I call upon a good friend of mine called Chris VanPelt because I think he is inspiring. That is the lesson of high school. A guy that is a bit rotund and someone you find to be a target for your immaturity can become a guy that is no longer large... or someone to laugh at. He is a man to be respected. For many reasons.

I once found myself to be very cool. I once thought that my good looks, charm, and wit were unsurpassed and would lead me to greatness. I now know that I am very average looking, not that charming, and my wit is more common than outstanding. I know now that the ones I laughed at were just ahead of the curve.

CVP has made something of himself, and done so on his terms. He has wild hair, an ecletic style, and set the rules as he has grown his business. He is in a sense, the American Dream. A self made man from a simple upbringing who has blazed his own trail in the world. And to think, I once referred to him as "Fatty" and punched him between sets in plays we were in.

This post isn't to glorify him, or to try to set right past wrongs. It's to try to teach you to not think you are better than others. It's to teach you that others might have a better way. It is to tell an old friend that I am proud of him and what he has accomplished . It's to tell you that my way isn't always best and that there is always another way of doing things.

Consider this a recommendation. Consider this a warning. Consider this a how to acheive. I am proud of an old friend that I tried to put down at a dumber time in my life. Now, I am just proud that he is my friend.