Friday, November 6, 1998

Lessons from UIL

On Oct. 24, I participated in the UIL Area II Marching Competition. The outcome of the competition, like most non-athletic UIL events, was determined by judges.

While referees do judge athletic events, the outcome is in the hands of the athletes. Of course the outcome of non-athletic UIL events are also in the hands of the performer, but not nearly as much as athletics. The performer can perform his best and the way he wants to interpret, but a judge may not like that interpretation.

So this brings about the question that has plagued high school students and teachers for years: Is this fair? The obvious answer is NO! The hidden answer is YES!

UIL has taught me that what you like is not necessarily what UIL likes. This lesson teaches me that to succeed you have to play the "game" that your superior - in my case, teachers and the UIL - sets up.

But UIL has also taught me you can play their game by your rules and still be successful - not first place, but a very honorable place. Either way, UIL, though hated by many, has given several people lessons in life, even though those lessons might not have been wanted.

On that note, I would like to thank some of the teachers who helped me learn these lessons: the directors of the Awesome Cooper Band, Anthony Gibson, Jerry Gowler, Brian Hanner and Sheila Huggins.

TROY NAREDO

Abilene

Going straight

Everyone has an opinion - here's mine. Voting a straight party ticket in any election is mindless and lazy.

Those chosen to serve us as elected officials should be judged by their character and by their stands on public issues and not by arbitrary labels such as "Republican," "Democrat," "liberal" or "conservative."

Voting a straight party ticket is a frivolous and ignorant approach to the representative form of government.

DEBBIE BOLLS

Abilene

Via e-mail

Breaking the mold

Some car dealerships and salesmen have a horrible reputation for taking advantage of car shoppers.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting some people who break that reputation in pieces. I found myself in a financial bind and needed to sell my sports car and downsize to something more affordable. Being young and female, I went car shopping alone. Most dealerships either ignored my presence or appeared uninterested after realizing I needed to downsize.

However, when I stopped at Hanner Auto Credit, my luck changed. A gentleman named Mike Unger came outside immediately to greet me. He listened carefully to my problem and promised to help me find what I needed.

During the month following our initial meeting, he not only found a car my bank would finance (not an easy task), but he also found a buyer for my car.

Mike and all the other salesmen at Hanner were nothing other than patient and kind. I never felt cheated or insulted because of my gender or age. As a matter of fact, I feel I have gained several new friends. I deeply appreciate their help during my time of struggle.

JAMY MAY

Abilene

Via e-mail