The internet is certainly no stranger to generosity. There are countless stories and videos of people being selfless to help their fellow human beings. Kindness comes in many forms; perhaps it’s giving new clothes to a homeless shelter, adopting a stray cat, or pooling together some money for a worthwhile cause—like teaching children at school.
Chicago Teacher, Kimber Bermudez, loves teaching children at Carlos Fuentes Elementary Charter School.
One summer day, Bermudez was on Southwest flight 1050 heading to Florida when she struck up a conversation with a friendly stranger sitting next to her. Bermudez, known for being a conversationalist, talked to the man about how much she loved her job and was passionate about helping kids out.
When asked what her most significant challenge is as a teacher, Bermudez admitted that working at a low-income school meant that many children were poor and homeless, with little access to supplies, clothes, or even food. Bermudez believes all children should deserve these necessities.
As it turns out, the man worked for a company specializing in school donations. He asked Bermudez for her school’s contact info.
Little did the 27-year-old teacher know, other people were listening to her conversation with the man and were just as moved by it as he was. Bermudez felt a tap on her shoulder. It was from the passenger sitting behind her. What he did next left the teacher stunned. He handed her a wad of cash and told her to “do something amazing” with it.
Bermudez later counted the money and was shocked to find out she was given $500.
But the generosity didn’t end there. When the plane landed in Florida, more strangers gave money to Bermudez. Another passenger sitting across her aisle gave her $20, saying he listened in on the story as well. Another good Samaritan also gave $10 to her cause.
“I started crying on the plane. I told all four men that I would do something amazing for the kids.”
The young teacher posted her story on Facebook the following day, hoping to inspire others to pay it forward and to thank the kind strangers.
“I was not telling my story to solicit money,” Bermudez said on her Facebook post, “and never intended to walk out of that flight with anything other than my carry-on. I do, however, hope that posting this continues the chain reaction of people helping those in need, and especially the children in need.”
She continued:
“My heart is in complete shock and awe right now. When the world seems crazy there are always good people. I would do anything for my students, and want to thank these strangers. I don’t know the name of the man who gave me the $500 or the other generous strangers, but they deserve to be recognized.”
The story received 43 thousand likes on Facebook and is one of the countless reminders that there’s still good in the world.
Children are so much more than students in school, there are human beings that require constant love and support. Schools should be second homes capable of providing children with food, clothing, and supplies.
As heartbreaking as it is that so many schools lack proper funding, that doesn’t mean others can’t do their part and pay it forward. As dark as the world may get, always look to the light and see that people are good and selfless at heart.
Isn’t this a beautiful story? Be sure to check out the video below!
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