How a Small Act of Kindness Changed My Life During the Pandemic

During the pandemic, I was working at a restaurant that, like many others, had to close down. Unfortunately, they didn’t pay me before shutting their doors, and I suddenly found myself without enough money to cover my rent. I was feeling pretty hopeless until someone told me that the community was offering help to those in need. All I had to do was send an email explaining my situation.

So, I did. And not long after, they contacted me and gave me an $800 check to help with my rent. It was a huge relief, but just after I received the check, something unexpected happened—the restaurant called me and paid what they owed me. Now, I had this $800 check in my hands, and I wasn’t sure what to do with it.

I could have returned the money so that they could help someone else, but then I thought about something I had been wanting for a long time: a computer. I had a strong desire to learn programming and improve my skills, but I didn’t have the funds to get started. So, I made the decision to invest that $800 into buying a computer.

With that computer, I began teaching myself programming. Slowly but surely, I improved, learning more about technology each day. Eventually, this new skill set helped me land a better job, which significantly improved my situation.

Looking back, that $800 check wasn’t just a financial boost—it was the stepping stone that opened the door to a new career in technology. I’m incredibly grateful for that act of kindness from the community, as it helped me not only in the short term, but in the long run as well.