Its Turkey Time!

Remembering our ancestral gratitude.

Hello, all! I apologize for my hiatus; between the midterms and….well, my college midterms, it has been a hectic few weeks. Before we roll into Thanksgiving, I thought I’d take the time to tell you all a story, one that pertains to this particular holiday. It won’t be long, or particularly good, but I hope it provides everyone with some beneficial perspective.

Once upon a time in a galaxy not so far away from here there lived a boy. One day this boy was a school when his teacher suggested he take a couple of tests. The boy shrugged and said sure; he’d always been a good test taker. A few months after taking the tests he got called down to the office, where he was informed that due to his test results he was going to get a full-ride scholarship. The boy couldn’t believe it; a full ride scholarship for a couple of tests? Fantastic! In addition to the full ride scholarship he also received a check for $10,000 to be used however he saw fit on something school-related. The boy took that money and went out to buy himself a nice, cheap sports car; he’d always wanted one, and now, thanks to some kind strangers, he could afford it.

Armed with his full-ride scholarship, this boy went off to college determined to make something of himself. He had always dreamed of being a writer, and now he had the chance to pursue his dream. Deciding that the best way to promote himself was through social media, this boy created a Twitter account and started sharing his writing. After a couple years, he finally got his chance. The editor of a magazine that the boy had dreamt about writing for reached out and asked if the boy wanted to publish an article with them. Once again, the boy couldn’t believe it! The end.

Like I said, its a short story, and not a particularly good one. But at a time of the year where we should be thankful, it reminds us of something important to be thankful for. This boy’s life was radically changed for the better thanks to the kindness of strangers—something we often take for granted in a day and age where the stranger is often cast in a negative light. This boy has never met the people who approved his scholarships, or the taxpayers that pay for it. He’s never seen the man from the magazine who reached out; in all honesty, he didn’t know who the man was until he reached out. But these strangers took a chance on the boy, and his life is dramatically different because of it.

Never discount the kindness of strangers, folks. This holiday we celebrate was predicated on that kindness; that kindness helps bond our communities and make us stronger still today. Be kind to the people you don’t know, and be thankful for their kindness in return.

P.S. If you’re curious about what that boy published in that magazine, you can read both pieces here and here. Otherwise, have a happy Thanksgiving, and I am thankful for all of you!