Polarizing. Extremely funny, reliable, relatable, and charismatic; poignantly brash, mean, snippy, and scary. If you’ve ever known Randy Woolman (‘26), you know he is quite the polarizing figure—ya love him or ya hate him. Either way, nobody can deny the palpability of Randy’s personality.
I’ve known Randy all four years of high school and have found that he is one of the most adaptable and willing people. A personal trainer, then cashier, pizza delivery driver, and now a caretaker for senior citizens in need, Randy keeps it moving—an inspiring and telling indication of what his future holds. He covers his own phone plan, has fully paid off his first car at just 18, and continues to make moves to improve his life. Though hardship has hit him from time to time, Randy never stays down for long—if at all. It’s as if nothing can stop him. He’ll get that fancy car, he’ll win that lottery, and he’ll find a way to get anything else he wants.
Though hard work is an integral part of Randy’s life, relaxing and taking time to fuel that fire is just as important. He loves “dumb” video games, tanning, music, writing—he’s even started writing two books—and the mountains, but he prefers beaches because of his Californian origin.
“Returning to the community” is a recurring theme in Randy’s dreams, plans, and experience. His current work, working as a senior caregiver, feels as such he is making a real difference: making food, providing transportation, and offering companionship. After high school, Randy aims to explore cosmetology and will eventually establish his own salon. He loves the art of cutting hair and providing people with something that they want and need. I’m sure most, if not everyone, can attest to the importance of a good haircut: it can make or break your mood, and Randy recognizes the power in that. Again, Randy returns to the community to assist and support those he can.
While helping others is an undercurrent that moves Randy, he’s quick to shut down people too. His sometimes brash or mean behavior is just him standing his ground, and it never really comes from nowhere. He feels as if people, for lack of a better term, act right, then he wouldn’t have to meet them with such sternness.
Above it all, Randy continues to live life to the fullest. Staying up till 2:00 a.m. with a friend, scaring themselves with ghost stories, calling out that individual with the unnecessary rude tone, shouting some unkind words on the road to some guy who shouldn’t have passed his driver’s exam, and tanning on a pattleboard, drifting on a swaying lake. Randy has a beautiful balance in his existence: strife, reward, compassion, assertiveness, rest, and hard work.
