I have met many people since I became a student at the University of the Pacific. Many of these people are my friends and professors, and they have had a tremendous impact on my life. There is one individual, however, who has done a lot for me that I've never noticed. I took them for granted, and now they have closed themselves off to me and many others. I am talking about a door.

Yes, a door. Most of my classes are in a building known to many as the WPC. and along the side of the WPC is a pair of doors that students use to enter the building and go to whatever class they have. When I was a college freshman, I learned that the door on the left, whenever I pulled it open just a couple inches, would swing open and stay open for about five seconds. So if someone opened the door and I was still several feet away from the building, the door would remain open and give me time to pass. It was such a polite door. If I ever had to get in or out fast, I would just have to give the door a short push or pull, and it would let me pass and save me a good half second.

As patient and kind as the door was, I took it for granted. I took and took and never thought for a second to show my appreciation or even say a quick "Thanks." No, I was blind to someone who was friendly to me since the day I became a college student. What kind of monster am I?

Several weeks ago, I was leaving the WPC to go for a walk around the campus, looking for someone to give me free food. I gave the door a short push-- like I always do-- and as I was stepping out, the door closed on me. I remember giving a short, "What the heck?" and then pulling myself out from the door. I was shocked that it had closed on me, and a little annoyed. That door had always held itself open for me. It had always been there for me. I did not understand why it would betray me.

But then it hit me. I had been disrespectful to the door. Never did I think about the door when it held itself open for me. Never did I tell my friends and family about the door and all the door had done for me. Never did I stop to have a deep and meaningful conversation with the door. Never did I ask the door to tell me about themselves. Never did I consider getting a gift for the door around Christmas time. I was a fool!

And now... now it is too late. Whenever I have to go through the door, I have to push it all the way open. I have to pull it all the way open, or it will crush me. It does not stay open for me. It does not open itself for me. I have to sprint to make it through the door when someone several feet in front of me is walking inside the WPC. It is too late for me to apologize, but I cannot help but feel sorry. That door has taught me a lesson that I hope others will learn through me: buy a Christmas gift for doors that hold themselves open for you.