He could have kept those five points and received a 99 on his exam. But he chose not to–even before he knew what his own score would be. Clearly this student felt he did well, and he worried that others may not have been so lucky. So he asked if his bonus points could be given to the student who scored the lowest. No questions, no conditions, no judgement. Just an act of kindness and empathy for someone else. It is easy for us to assume that we get in life what we deserve. If you study you get an “A” and if you don’t you fail. But that is often not the case. There is the kid that reviewed all night but was too tired or anxious to concentrate when taking the test. There is the one who is going through something hard at home and therefore wasn’t able to study. The kid who knows that one more fail and he is off the team or will get in big trouble with his parents. Endless possibilities. But this particular student wasn’t concerned about the details, he just wanted to help. And he did. Not only did he help the student who received the points, but he helped all of us remember to be kind when we can. Because we can. And to help, whoever is in need, with no strings attached.
