During my senior year of high school, I was given “A block senior privilege.” This meant that every day, I could skip my first-period study class and come into school about an hour late. Everyone who had A block study before me always spoke about how amazing it was to sleep in an extra hour. All throughout high school I looked forward to this privilege and hoped that my study would fall during first period.
When I found out that I had gotten lucky, I immediately told my mom. Instead of celebrating with me, she said, “Well, I already agreed with our neighbors that you’d drive their high schooler to class in the morning, and he doesn’t have A block study.” As quickly as the excitement came, it was gone. At that moment, I knew I had two options. I could disobey my mother and tell her I wouldn’t drive our neighbor, or I could be a kind person and sacrifice my A block study. My mom said, “You could drop him off and then hang out with Grandma and Grandpa for an hour in the morning.” My grandparents lived across the street from my high school in a big blue house. I’d usually stop by some days after work or practice for a quick hello.
After an audible sigh, I begrudgingly agreed to continue waking up at the same early hour that I did all throughout high school. Each day, I would drop my neighbor off at the front of my school and make a loop to turn back towards my grandparents’ house. When I walked in the door, I could smell the sweet scent of fresh waffles waiting for me. My grandma would be in her white robe and my grandpa would be dressed in khakis and a nice button-up (he dressed like this every day, even though most days he didn’t have anywhere to go). I’d sit at the dining room table with both of them as we talked nonstop for an hour about everything and anything.
Each morning without fail, I would wake up early and have breakfast with my grandparents. I thought I was lucky to get the A block study, but I really hit the jackpot with my incredible grandparents. I quickly began to look forward to waking up early, having breakfast, and getting to chat with my grandma and grandpa. They could get me laughing to the point of tears with their witty comebacks, playful banter, and my grandpa’s famous one-liners.
In January of that year, my grandpa suddenly had to go to the hospital and passed away a few days later. Whenever the icebreaker question about traveling back in time comes up (randomly, it has a lot this year), I always say I wish I could go back to a morning where I hung out with my grandpa.
I never thought my split-second decision of being kind and agreeing to drive my neighbor would turn out to be the reason I got to spend so much valuable time during my grandpa’s last few months. This situation taught me that whenever I get the chance, I should choose the kindest option. Almost selfishly, I know things will turn out better for myself and those around me when I choose to be kind. Don’t forget that your vibe attracts your tribe. When you’re genuinely kind, you will attract other genuinely kind people as well.
I’m not perfect. To be completely transparent, I think you should always be kind unless someone gives you a reason to put your guard up. And that’s okay — we’re human! We can’t just carry one emotion. But whenever you can, be the kindest person in the room, trust me!
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