Last Tuesday, something happened at the Minneota vs. Dawson-Boyd volleyball match that will stay with me forever. It was a humbling experience that took me back to my own childhood—a memory I haven’t thought about in years.

When I was 12 years old, growing up in New Ulm, Minnesota, I was a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. I idolized players like Alan Page, Carl Eller, and Fran Tarkenton. That summer, my dad took me to a charity basketball game where the Vikings played against local players. My biggest goal was to get Alan Page’s autograph. After the game, I got my chance. I was so excited to talk to him, and he signed my program. It was a simple act, but it created a memory I’ve carried with me my entire life.

Over the years, working in radio and broadcasting high school sports, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many people, and I’ve built a presence on social media. I often forget that students, in particular, watch what I do and sometimes even look up to me.

That was very evident Thursday in Granite Falls at the volleyball match I was broadcasting. The YME students were wearing black garbage bags for theme night. I thought it was cute and took a picture and shared it on my X and Instagram accounts. Immediately, some of the YME students saw the post and were ecstatic and started chanting my name while showing me their phones. That’s the impact of social media.

After the volleyball match on Tuesday in Dawson, I was still courtside with my headset on when a young girl approached me. I’d never seen her before. She held an empty popcorn bag and a pen, and she asked if she could have my autograph. I was so surprised that I asked her to repeat herself. For a moment, I thought she was joking, but she smiled and said, “Yes.” she wanted my autograph. I think she said her name was Brooklyn, and as I signed her popcorn bag, she had the biggest smile on her face. Her friend took our picture, and then Brooklyn went to show her friends, who were all so happy for her. I almost teared up right there. I was humbled and emotional, and I thanked God for giving me this platform. My only regret is that I didn’t take more time to talk with her, just as Alan Page had done with me all those years ago.

This experience also brought back a different, more somber memory. I once signed an autograph for a student named Donnie Scheulke, who tragically passed away a few years ago. When he asked for my signature after a basketball game, I jokingly asked him if his friends put him up to it. The sad and disappointing look on his face told me it wasn’t a joke, and I immediately regretted my words. I signed his program, and we chatted a bit and that moment has always stuck with me. When he passed, I learned what an amazing person he was, and I was so humbled.

Both of these experiences remind me that a simple signature can mean so much. It’s a simple connection between two people. Words you use during that moment can change someone’s life. It’s a reminder of the platform I’ve been given by God to positively impact young people’s lives. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and for that, I am forever grateful.