Do you remember that moment when someone said just the right thing at just the right time, and it had an immediate impact? For me, that someone was a girl named Dawn.
👌
Growing up in the inner city, my parents always found a way to break through barriers and climb the socioeconomic ladder. And when I was 16, we moved to an upscale country club community – a huge leap for us. But on my first day of school, as I walked into my homeroom, my mom’s stern warning echoed in my head: “Don’t mess this up!” (It was deserved at the time.:))
🙉
I felt so out of place in that sea of blonde-haired well dressed students. But then Dawn, with her blonde hair and cheerleading outfit, turned around and smiled at me. She gently placed her hand on mine and with her beautiful smile said, “You’re going to love it here. The kids here are cool and welcoming.” It was like a bolt of lightning had struck me. At that moment, all my teenage insecurities got put to ease and I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
😎
Dawn wasn’t just a kind and popular student – she was the runner-up for valedictorian and was accepted into several Ivy League schools. But what made her truly exceptional was her reputation for her kindness and compassion for others.
Years later I found myself face-to-face with Dawn again. I thought I should share my story with her, and tears welled up in her eyes. She was currently going through a rough patch and she said she needed to hear that.
🤲
Like many, at 16, I was on a path that could have gone either way, Dawn’s timing had an impact on my life that was immeasurable. She reminded me that, no matter how different we may seem on the surface, we are all capable of kindness that has an impact on others. 👍
