Rick's+Crib

Originally from Hermosa Beach, California, Richard Thomas is a junior History major at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He played football until the conclusion of his senior season, and he now works for Colorado Football in recruiting. This past season, he decided to convey his football knowledge to younger players by coaching a 12-year-old football team in Boulder. One he graduates from CU, Richard would like to teach History and coach football at the high school level.

= Dime a Dozen = = media type="file" key="dime a dozen.mp3" width="216" height="90"  = I believe that I am like a dime. I am underrated, but deserve your respect. I am not one million dollars. I am just one in a large crowd, going about my business. Like a dime, few people can recall my face, even though I have been in their lives more than they might ever realize. I’ve done all the little things for people my entire life, and I do not get recognition or praise. Like finding that dime in your pocket for exact change, many of my deeds will go unnoticed. I guess you could call me an unsung hero.

After I have helped my friend move his nearly immovable furniture into his new third floor apartment, I will help out another friend with writing a history paper at two o’clock in the morning on a Thursday night. I am that go-to-guy that can always be counted on to help out a friend in need. However, since I am a dime, I must rely on others to help me in my time of need as well. I depend on those friends to help me with my own problems, such as tough math assignments that I cannot ever figure out on my own.

When I walk down College Avenue on my way to class, most people will likely walk right on by me without giving much thought to what good deeds I might have done for others. Like a dime, sometimes I will ride in a rusty Ford Bronco and other times I will roll down the side of Pier Avenue, slowly making my way to my next destination. I am never sure of exactly where I am headed, but I do not let that bother me. I am just another face in the crowd, much like an ignored dime collecting dust on Pearl Street.

I cannot get too much accomplished by myself because I am a team player. I thrive when working with others. I believe that in order to be successful, your value as a strong individual is essential, but you must also rely on others to help you get the job done. I am only one small part of a larger whole, and it is in these circumstances that I am able to flourish. This realization has led to my understanding of my role in society. I understand that my actions do have an impact, even if they are on a small scale.

Some call me a dime a dozen, which means I have little value and can easily be replaced. But in reality, I am a dime. I am worth 10 cents when I am singled out. However, I am the foundation of something much bigger and greater than any of us when I work with others. When you can get enough dimes together, anything can be accomplished, no matter how large the undertaking may seem. Although you may not be able to recall my face, I believe that, like a dime, I deserve your respect.