My name is Sheina, and I’m in my senior year of high school. I come from a beautiful family of 13 Baruch Hashem. Unfortunately, my brother Avraham Dovid was killed in a car accident 14 years ago. It’s hard to accept Hashem’s ways, and we Daven every day to see him again.
The story I’m about to share brings me to tears, and I remember it like it was yesterday. It was just a regular week at school, and I was just a regular student. After a long day, I spoke up in class and caused a small scene. Not to excuse myself, but it wasn’t a big deal, and I definitely did not expect my teacher to message the principal, saying I was misbehaving. But three minutes later, the classroom phone rang, and I was called to the office. I’ve been to that office a lot throughout elementary, but not as much in 8th grade. I wasn’t too disrespectful, and even when I was, the teachers never made a big deal out of it. It was uncomfortable to say the least, to have to sit in front of the principal and say what I had done wrong. The office would feel stuffy, and I would feel tears spring to my eyes. It wasn’t dramatic, just very uncomfortable. I came into the office, ready to hear the regular, just hoping my parents wouldn’t have to get involved. I sat down, and what I heard next shocked me to my core. “Sheina, this week must be your brother’s Yahrtzeit…
You must need a break. Where do you want to go? Buncho, the Library, 770, or on a walk?” my principal stated after thinking for a minute.
I cry till this day whenever I recall this episode. Whether or not my behavior was connected to my brother, I wouldn’t know. It was the thought, care, and genuine concern from that small statement that convinced me, and still convinces me what true education is. Mrs. Sandhaus, your kindness has made a difference in my life. You taught me that despite my actions not always being appropriate and right, it’s what lies behind them that most matters and must be dealt with.
Kindness blossoms. It makes us who we are. It affects deeper than what a million words can’t accomplish. It pierces the soul, and makes us want to live. Kindness always wins. It’s the beauty of our nation, and the life of Geula.