I am slightly ashamed.

I admit, I like to win things. I enjoy receiving awards and recognition. I usually do things with the intent to beat others or win a prize, whether it's a scholarship, certificate or title.

However, at my college graduation this past weekend, I witnessed something that put life back into perspective for me.

Every year, my college (Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo) selects one or more students from each area of study as Outstanding Seniors to be recognized at the commencement ceremony. Though I knew I hadn't been selected (you are contacted ahead of time), I still looked over the list in the graduation program, wishing my name was on it.

I didn't know any of the students, and the program didn't go into detail as to why they were selected. I hated it, but I knew I was a little bitter initially because I hadn't been chosen though I know I worked a lot harder than many of my peers.

Apparently, however, many worked much harder than I did.

I sat in the massive, distracted crowd of similarly dressed graduates, trying to show off my layers of stoles and cords representing my level of participation in college culture. Many times, my attention strayed from the administrative speeches.

My ears did perk up at the mention of the Outstanding Seniors. One by one they made their way up to the stage so the dean of their study could elaborate on their accomplishments and endeavors. Many had participated in numerous clubs and groups, community service activities, societies, conferences and more, in addition to having inhuman grade point averages - at least 3.9 or so.

One group of students, who were the highest achieving for science and math, stood on stage to be recognized, with the last student stepping up solemnly behind the others with incredible discipline.

The dean listed the accomplishments of the first student - a woman who had a GPA of 3.96 and who worked serving food to children every day while being a member of a national society and so on. My attention began to falter once more.

For the last student, however, the dean began with a more unusual introduction, saying to the college president, "Here's a story for you."

This biochemistry student from Placerville, California, named Jared Hollows, was not accepted to Cal Poly as a freshman, and spent two years at the nearby community college in order to transfer as a junior. He stood wearing his robe and mortarboard that day as a top 3 student in our graduating class.

But there's more.

Hollows pays for his own school on top of having incredible grades... but there's still more.

He has paid for school with scholarships and grants from his seven years in the United States Army. He joined immediately after high school in order to pay for college, and became a qualified field medic and animal care specialist. He traveled to Africa and treated poor villagers, bringing herd animals back to use as livestock while building schools for the children in his spare time. He also served two tours in Iraq, training dogs and dolphins to seek explosives

I was in tears after hearing his story not just because of his duty to our country, which I revere more than anything, but because of his stoic appearance on stage - he stood without jumping about, but with humility and honor.

Hollows may serve another tour in the Middle East while aiming to earn a Ph.D. In the meantime, I was sitting there like a fool with my wannabe garb that paled in comparison to a military medal or even an Army uniform. My accomplishments were nothing compared to his, and yet I almost expected to be awarded something.

I feel like my eyes were opened wide that day. There is so much more to life than what I had previously thought, and I hope so much that I can put that realization to good use.