In-Game Events and Gatherings

When I was in 5th grade there was a boy in my class named Adam with some form of autism. I don't think many people knew about autism at the time, but they understood that something was different about him, that he didn't learn the same way and that he needed extra attention and help. There wasn't really a name for what was wrong with him back then I think, but looking back I'm pretty sure he had a pervasive development disorder.

Anyway, once a year we had a track and field day where all the students could choose to compete in different activities to earn ribbons. You could get excellent, gold, silver, bronze and participation ribbons. The kids participating weren't ranked into first, second, or third place or anything, but if you hit a certain achievement level you won a ribbon. I was naturally athletic, but never really trained for anything and mostly got silver or bronze ribbons. I was, however, very proud of my speed.

In the "100 meter dash" race, I got an "Excellence" ribbon and was quite thrilled. The running events were easy to compete in and so almost everyone did, including the few children in our schooled like Adam. Adam ran hard and was genuinely a pretty fast kid, but tripped over his own awkward feet and fell about half-way through the race. Instead of getting up and continuing to run, he laid there and cried. He wailed! He lay in the dirt, with snot and tears mixing into mud as he sputtered and choked and whined and sobbed. Several teachers came over to try and comfort him, to make sure he was ok and attempt to quell his anguish, but he would not abate.

Eventually, when it looked like the school would have to call his mother to come get him as had so often happened in the past, a kind yet misguided teacher offered him a ribbon for his hard work. She had a bright and shiny Excellence ribbon in her hand as she told him that "It was alright," and "If you hadn't tripped I'm sure you would have earned this!" I was shocked. I had run hard and earned my ribbon, but Adam was given things he didn't earn because he was "special" and because he cried enough.

I went home that afternoon after school was over and told my parents the whole story. My dad sat down next to me, and told me I truly deserved the Excellence ribbon and Adam did not. But, Adam very different and he didn't understand that getting something you didn't earn was meaningless. He told me that the teacher who gave him the ribbon was kind-hearted but also didn't understand that her choice devalued the achievements of everyone else - but not to fault her for wanting Adam to stop crying and to feel like he earned something even if he truly did not. He told me to be proud of myself and not let the actions of others change how I feel about myself.

That day I learned a very valuable life lesson. Some people earn what they have, and others have things given to them which they do not deserve - but that doesn't mean you should stop trying to earn things for yourself. The next day I went over to Adam, who I'm sure was picking his nose and eating the result, and congratulated him on the "Excellent" ribbon he received the previous day. I did it without a single hint of sarcasm and without a snide remark, but looked him in the eyes and told him I was happy for him.

And so now I do the same.

Congratulations URINE, I genuinely hope you enjoy your flag being flown over the CCP headquarters next month. It's a unique honour and I think your Snuffbox logo is quite cool looking - I hope that's the one that you chose to fly!

Have a great day, I'm sure we'll see you guys around in low-sec again :)

Unfortunately giving little Adam his ribbon did nothing to stop his wailing in this case.

There is a mistake in your alliance name, there is only one king of low sec.

lol

Feels good to know I am royalty in a game of nerds.

Kneel before your king.