Selfless act about paying it forward

I was shopping recently in a local Target store. As I was checking out, the cashier noticed my items and asked if I was having a party. I told her that I was a teacher and I was stocking up on some small prizes I like to have on hand for my classroom.

The gentleman behind me in line overheard my conversation with the cashier. He told the cashier he wanted to take care of my bill. I didn't take him seriously. Jokingly, I asked him if he won the lottery. He told me that he really wanted to do this. He was insistent and wouldn't take no for an answer.

The man brought tears to my eyes because he said to me this was his way of being involved and making a difference. He also said to me that he truly appreciates teachers, what they do everyday, and to "pay it forward."

The kindhearted, generous man truly made an impact in my life and others who I tell about my experience. I shared this story with my fifth-grade class the very next day and they couldn't believe that a complete stranger did this random act of kindness for them. This gave me a teachable moment to explain the phrase "Pay it forward" to my class. Teaching to students about positive characteristics is just as important if not more than academics.

My class and I thank you again with great appreciation.

Vicki Patrick

Geneva

Teacher at Brady School, Aurora