Spotted: Random Act of Kindness

Today I witnessed something on campus that undoubtedly made the rest of my week. It's not the lottery, rather something small and simple. It's putting a smile on my face as I'm writing this story.

I attend school in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Since being here for 2 years, I've adapted to everything around me - the nightly, blaring firetrucks, the homeless, the single mom walking with 3 young kids. I've become routine to this sight, ignoring them, and heading off to whatever I have to do.

However, a kind stranger inadvertently reminded me today that my role in this community is much more than just a student going to and fro from class to apartment.

My roommate and I were in a part of campus that is the main hangout for students. It's filled with chairs, tables, fountains, and numerous restaurants bordering the quad. As we were walking to get some food ourselves, we noticed an elderly lady from the community collecting bottles from each trash can. (This too, is another sight we are used to seeing. Both on campus and off campus).

A male student approaches her and tries communicating to her, but it was clear that she could only speak Spanish. He switches his language to say possibly the only word he knew in Spanish, and asks her "Comida?" She nods her head yes.

Nobody else noticed this but me and my roommate, who were spying on him from a few feet away (ha). He takes her to buy a pizza, holds her bags of bottles, shares a few laughs with her, and they depart.

Thank you stranger for stopping, despite how busy you may be. For reminding me that we need to look out for others, whether or not we know them. Thank you for your kindness and generosity as it was an important reminder that I need to look around me, and to not be so consumed searching and completing my own agenda.

And that my friends, made my week.