The Smallest Things …

Summary

The author cherishes a 43-year-old nameplate from their first job as a symbol of respect and investment in their potential, emphasizing the profound impact that small gestures can have on someone's life and career.

Abstract

The narrative revolves around a well-worn nameplate that has been a constant on the author's desk since 1977, when they began working at a radio station in Dumas, Texas. Despite its age, the nameplate holds significant sentimental value, as it was a gift from the station owner, signifying the author's importance and permanence in the workplace. Over the years, the nameplate has served as a reminder of the faith others had in the author's abilities and has inspired them to pay it forward by helping others, such as a junior high student who later became a successful lawyer. The author advocates that even small acts of kindness, like offering encouragement or a compliment, can greatly influence an individual's trajectory, potentially leading to significant achievements and fostering a cycle of positive karma.

Opinions

The author believes that gestures of recognition, such as the nameplate, are meaningful and can significantly impact an individual's sense of belonging and self-worth.
The act of providing opportunities for others, like involving a young listener in the football broadcasts, is seen as a way to guide and inspire them to find their own path.
The author suggests that taking the time to help someone, even in small ways, can lead to unforeseen positive outcomes in their life.
There is an underlying belief in the principle of karma, implying that good deeds will eventually return

Sometimes make the biggest impacts

Photo by the author

There is a nameplate that sits on my desk at work. It’s certainly seen its better days. That nameplate was given to me by a boss over 43 years ago.

Why on Earth would anyone keep an old nameplate? I’m glad you asked, for here is my story.

I had been hired to work at a radio station in Dumas, Texas in 1977. It was essentially my first full-time job out of high school (and college, which I had left after 1 year a few months earlier). I was hired to be an announcer and sports reporter for the station. I even had a desk (sort of) in the back of the station.

I remarked to the owner one day, somewhat jokingly, that all I was missing was a nameplate for my desk. I really didn’t expect him to get me one but lo and behold, this shiny nameplate appeared on my desk shortly afterward.

The fact that the owner took the time to get me a nameplate meant a lot to me. It wasn’t expensive but it was a meaningful gift to me; a message that I was a permanent part of the radio station. I was 19 years old, and I was respected!

I’ve kept this nameplate on my desk for the last 43 years. It has traveled with me to jobs all over my home state, from various radio stations to computer programming jobs to my current job as an IT technician in a school. It reminds me that someone had faith in me and invested their time to let me know that I was important.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference in our lives. It can be a compliment or a small favor. An “atta-boy” or just a smile.

I have tried over the years to offer my help to others. Many years ago I was looking for a spotter for our high school football broadcasts and one of our listeners said his son (who was in junior high) was interested. We ‘hired’ him and he was a huge help in the booth. My analyst and I took time to show him our jobs and encouraged him to be more than just someone pointing out items to us (he eventually was our halftime stats reporter). Many years later I ran in to that kid, who was now a very successful lawyer, and he thanked me for the chance to be in the booth as it helped him to find his path.

Sometimes it’s the little things.

It can be hard to remember that someone might need our help, especially if we are busy. But we all should try to give a little bit of ourselves each day. You may never know the impact that you have on someone, but rest assured, that impact could lead to great things. And if you believe in karma then you already know that good karma will return to you.

It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just a little time and encouragement or understanding can have a huge impact on future lives.

It’s the little things.