I wanted to write to share the warmth I felt Wednesday before break, during the near-blizzard watching a student go out of her way to help a student in need.
I was leaving LaFortune just after 5 p.m., when the storm was going strong and all anyone wanted to do was get inside. I noticed a blind student struggling with the wind and the snow and his cane, clearly having problems finding his way. Clearly, the young woman a few steps ahead of me noticed at the same time, as I watched a young woman approach the student and offer her assistance. She, too, was headed away from LaFortune, but took the time to take the student's arm and lead him back the way she'd come.
I am sure that the blind student thanked the woman for her kindness, but I wanted to as well. The other day my 10-year-old son and I made a pact to always step in and help people when it seems they need it, even when we might feel inclined to mind our own business. This moment was a perfect example of what such an act might mean not only for those involved, but for those who witness it as well.
Jessica Collett
professor
Department of Sociology
Dec. 10
