30 Nov 2021 Youth of the Month: Nathanial Richardson
By Dwain Hebda
When many of Nathaniel Richardson’s peers are engaged after school in extracurricular activities or chilling behind a video game console, the 17-year-old’s responsibilities are just beginning.
Richardson, who lives with his grandparents, jumps right into chores as soon as he gets home, working to do all he can to help the family farm operation.
“I help out on the farm. I help my grandfather with the equipment and taking care of livestock,” he said. “I take care of the horses and, once in a while, a couple of cows, maybe a pig. I’ve lived here in the same place all my life and I’ve been around horses all my life.”
It’s a long day and hard work, but the Mayflower High School junior doesn’t mind. In fact, he considers it a valuable education all its own.
“I’m more of a hands-on learner, and I like working around equipment and machinery,” he said. “My grandfather’s been teaching me everything I need to know about machines, especially with the hay equipment we have. I look up to my grandfather a lot.”
The respect and admiration Richardson has for his grandparents – Bill and Clara Richardson – is reflected in his academic performance. An excellent student, he’s also developed an attractive servant-leader personality that shows empathy for peers.
“I’ve been chosen for the Who’s Who list they have,” he said. “I enjoy the people I meet through the things I participate in. Just being more involved with human interaction instead of sitting around on electronics.
“I’ve been voted ‘Unforgettable’ because I like making people smile. I like spreading spirit. I just put others first before me. I like talking, I like socializing, I like to meet new people and talking to them about different things.”
Richardson may credit his grandparents for his work ethic and strong moral compass, but there’s one element of his life that comes straight from within and that’s his musical ability, which he employs in the high school band, his one after-hours school activity.
“My primary instrument is tuba,” he said. “I can play a little bit of percussion. I used to play baritone, a little trombone. I play bass guitar and acoustic guitar. I’m currently learning baritone saxophone.
“I’ve always been drawn to music. I realized I was musically inclined and could pick things up really quickly. It just came easily to me.”
This talent has led him to explore many different musical genres, Richardson said, which expands his horizons and fuels his creativity.
“I like a little bit of everything,” he said. “I don’t listen to much rap, but I can listen to a little bit of country when it comes to guitar and pop songs or classic or alternative rock.”
“I thought about writing my own music, but I’m learning how to play by ear instead. I’ll listen to a piece of music and sort of play it back without looking at the music itself.”
For now, Richardson is keeping his future options open for after high school, saying he could see himself attending college at the University of Central Arkansas or joining the military. He expects music to be a part of his life in some capacity moving forward, although he’s not entirely sure how it will all come together.
For now, he’s happy doing what he’s doing on the farm and in school. He’s even developed a few insights along the way that he’s happy to pass on to other students who are just starting out on their high school careers.
“It’s always best to help others when you can,” he said. “It helps you make friends and then those friends can back you up someday in the future.”
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