For many years growing up, there was a strict ritual that occurred every evening.

My grandmother and I would find our respective places in the living room — Grandma chose the loveseat while I, most often, found a spot on the floor. Sometimes, this was after dinner; sometimes, we sat with full plates and forks in our hands.

It was a bonding time. Being the oldest (and favorite) grandchild gave me these opportunities that I have and will always cherish.

Grandma and me would religiously commune for an hour to engage in some intellectual entertainment. Of course, I mean the unrivaled combo of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! That hour came to bind us forever.

At that time, Grandma hadn’t decided to balance night school in pursuit of her GED, yet. So, being a child of the Jim Crow South, she didn’t make it past the eighth grade before having to work to help take care of her siblings. I, on the other hand, was “the smart one.” Rumors high scores on IQ tests may or may not be exaggerated. I’d become a voracious reader and a lover of words, thanks to my mama “punishing” me with reading the dictionary at an early age.

So, we were quite a pair — the woefully undereducated matriarch and the precocious, creative cool-nerd watching puzzle and quiz shows.

You’re so smart. You’ll be on there one day.

Those prophetic words propelled me to audition for Wheel of Fortune in 2014. I made it on the show and to the final round. Unfortunately, I didn’t get that last puzzle. Damn you, PAPERBACKS!

Proof that I was there: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CGI01c4gEJw/?igshid=kttq9pbql86x

The full circle moment for me was sitting in the living room months later with Grandma as she saw her now grown grandson standing next to Pat Sajak.

The funny thing is, while that Wheel of Fortune moment was great, it has always been my dream to make it to Jeopardy!

While in college and seeing others repping their universities: I can do that.

While teaching in public schools and watching other educators: I can do that.

While watching the Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time and seeing Brad Rutter’s performance: Hell, I can do that.

I loved watching Alex Trebek command the stage full of the most intelligent people around. To the young Darius, he was the smartest man in the world. I couldn’t wait until I had a chance to show him what I got.

I wanted Alex to be impressed as I ran the table on Elizabethean Literature, Sports or my favorite, Potpourri. I was excited about the chance to flex my knowledge on a Daily Double about Pixar movies or Greek Mythology. And, of course, I wanted to smirk and nod my head at one of his deadpan recitations of a Tupac or A Tribe Called Quest lyric.

I tried multiple times to get on the show. Paper tests. Online tests. But I never made it past a couple of rounds. Now, I doubt if I’ll ever try again with Alex.

But I am thankful. Thankful for those nights I spent answering questions (or is it questioning answers?) with Grandma and explaining the ones she didn’t know. Thankful for helping me feel a little better about myself.

Mr. Alex Trebek helped make me, and many like me, see that is was okay to be smart. It was okay to know things and to want to know even more. When intelligence wasn’t always lauded as the greatest characteristic, Alex Trebek helped me feel a little cooler.

So…

Category: Starts with ‘R’

Answer: Immortalized in anthem by Aretha Franklin and covered by the Rolling Stones, this feeling of deepest admiration is what the world owes to the inimitable Alex Trebek.

Question: What is Respect, Alex?

From Darius and Grandma.