Page 14 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2026 - Online Magazine

SENIOR 2 SENIOR SENIOR 2 SENIOR

Those quiet hours on the water also gave us time to talk.
Most conversations were about nothing at all. Usually,
he or I would say something stupid and make fun of
the other. Sometimes, we simply sat in silence, which
taught me that connection does not always require
words. When he did share advice, it was never forced,
and almost always came with a story attached. He talked
about responsibility, treating people fairly, and doing the
right thing even when no one is watching. His wisdom
felt like it held weight, and it made me take those lessons
to heart. moves quickly and constantly demands more, he has
shown me the importance of pausing, listening, and
What I learned most from my grandfather is the value being present. The memories we created were not flashy
of time. No matter how busy life became, he made time or exhilarating, but they have changed me nonetheless.
for me. Fishing trips were something I could count on,
and that reliability meant everything. Knowing someone As I prepare to graduate and move into the next chapter
will be there for you—week after week, year after of my life, I realize how fortunate I am to have had
year—creates a sense of security and trust that is hard to someone like Papa guiding me. Our fishing trips were
describe but impossible to forget. Finding time for the about much more than catching fish—they were about
people I care about has greatly changed my approach to appreciating the time I have with people and not letting
relationships. the small moments go to waste. I will carry those lessons
with me wherever I go in life, and I know that every time
If he could share one piece of wisdom with others, I I see a quiet stretch of water, I will think of him and the
believe it would be this: slow down and appreciate the impact he has had on my life.
people and moments in front of you. In a world that

Article Submitted by
Wyatt Wilkins MONTEREY

Wyatt Wilkins attends Monterey High School where he participates in tennis,
Academic Decathlon, UIL, and National Honor Society. His parents are Casey and
Ronnie Wilkins. After graduation, Wyatt plans to attend Texas Tech and major in
Economics and Mathematics.

14 Lubbock Senior Link