On advancement .

Springboards are used in a variety of ways, in different forms, and with different names.

Gymnasts use springboards to give them necessary lift to complete complex maneuver not possible on flat ground. Trampolines are found in many suburban American families yards. And what are they but large springboards?

So why are these objects that are so often used as an aid to lift us up so often, treated far differently in the context of Humans using each other as springboards? 

We so often use those who surround us as ways to advance ourselves, therefore rendering the used as our personal springboards, where we then leave them behind? 

This seed was first placed in my mind a few days ago. My soccer coach / class advisor / senior year english teacher entered my seventh period and lectured us about something or other about our futures. But somehow, the conversation eventually landed on the topic of Letters of Recommendation for colleges. And hearing this began to make me think about what happens once those letters have been written and sent to colleges. Will we interact with those who have written them for us? Will their words in the letter impact our opinions on their writers, and how will that impact our relationship with said writer? We as students aren’t easily able to see their words, unless we explicitly ask them for the letter, and they’re willing to share it with us.

I wonder if this pseudo anonymity within the writing is there to negate the burning-of-bridges i mentioned before. 

Connect with people around you, don't just use them as springboards. Don't be an egotistical prick that uses others just to better yourself, I promise you'll be happier that way.