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Having compassion for others is one of the most meaningful traits a person can possess and spread throughout their everyday life. For people who have special needs children, this fact rings especially true. Natalie Fernando, mother to 5-year-old Rudy who has autism, is accustom to the disapproving stares from strangers she receives when her son has an uncontrollable public meltdown. And a recent meltdown while on a walk alongside the beach was no exception. “My son loves to walk, but he hates to turn around and walk back, we usually try to walk in a circuit to avoid this but on his favourite walk with the boats we have no choice but to turn back. This will often lead to a meltdown, one which I can normally handle but on the back of two weeks out of school today was too much for him and me,” Fernando explained on her Facebook page, Better to Be Different. Prepared for what might be an hour-long meltdown, Fernando was apologetic to passersby, yet stares and comments quickly ensued. In came the hero of the story: a man named Ian. Ian stopped first to ask Fernando simply if she was ok. After explaining the situation, Ian did something most people would not be brave enough to do – he laid alongside the young boy and began engaging in a conversation with him. This singular act quickly turned the situation around and enabled Rudy to calmly return to his mother’s car to go home. Ian’s kindness and compassion changed this mother and son’s day, but it also helped to inspire other. “It’s said a lot at the moment, ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind,’” Fernando wrote. “Words are easy, these actions are not always so easy. This man is living the words and I couldn’t be more grateful…We’re all walking our own path and navigating the journey the best we can. Sometimes it takes a moment of kindness from a complete stranger to completely change your day.”

This is a story straight out of a Hollywood movie. Lisa Wright was adopted as a baby, but little did she know how close her birth mother would be without her even knowing. Wright always knew she was adopted and that her birth mother was an 18-year-old girl at the time she was born. "My (adoptive) mom told me, 'Your mommy loved you, but she was really young, and she knew she couldn't take care of you. I wanted a baby so bad, and that's why your mom let me take care of you. You weren't abandoned. This was just the best thing for you,'" Wright told Today. Connecting Wright with her birth family would have been at one time very difficult. The adoption was closed, meaning that the records containing information on her birth mother and family are sealed. Further, Wright’s adoptive and birth families did not know each other. So, it really never crossed Wright’s mind to begin any sort of search in hopes of a reunion. It was her son who suggested she take an at home DNA test to find out her genetic heritage. And just like that, she was matched with a biological family member who had also taken a DNA test. She was matched with a person who was said to be her uncle. It was at this point that she reached out saying, “If you're open to it, I would love to chat with you to see what all of this means.” It was days later that Wright and her uncle connected via a phone call. And it was this conversation that led Wright to her mother. According to her uncle, Wright’s mother lived in Los Angeles, which just happens to be where Wright also lives. Moments after the initial phone call with her uncle, the phone rang again. When she answered, the voice on the other line simply asked “is this my daughter?” and the rest is history. The two women met up the next day, a reunion 50 years in the making. But the surprises don’t end there. It turns out actress Lynne Moody is Wright’s birth mother, who also just so happened to be the star of Wright’s favorite childhood television show, That’s My Mama – something that sounds straight out of a movie script itself! The two women are now connected and will be for life. And after this half a century long experience, Moody has some wise words for us all: “Life is full of surprises sometimes, so hang in there no matter what your circumstances are, be open to miracles, be open to surprises, and keep the faith.”  

Vivian Cunningham is quite a woman. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she is busy. Yet, she managed to earn her college degree this year as well. On May 8, the 78-year-old graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Cunningham is no stranger to hard work. She worked as a custodian and then a mail room attendant at the Alabama Power Company while raising two children by herself. She retired in 1992, and began to complete her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. She slowly worked towards her degree while raising her children, Donald and Tarra. A testament to her positive impact on the workplace, Alabama Power Company reimbursed her college tuition in full. When asked about her recent accomplishment, Cunningham stated, “The only thing I can say is I was just elated. It feels good to be, you know, have gone through that educational process.” Cunningham has big plans. She hopes to pursue her master’s degree. She was invited to speak with “World News Tonight” and was asked to share a few words. She began, “I would like to tell all the viewers that if you have a dream, and you are passionate about that dream, pursue it.” She finished, “Don’t let anyone tell you that it can’t be done.” Cunningham is a shining example of putting your mind to something and achieving it, despite the twists and turns that may arise.

Thousands of crested toad tadpoles were sent from ZooTampa to their native island, Puerto Rico. Scientists hope that this is a step towards restoring the critically endangered amphibian in their natural habitat. The Puerto Rican crested toad is the islands only native toad species. For centuries it flourished, but for the better half of the 20^th century, it was believed to be extinct – that is up until 1967. The crested toad is an essential part of the island’s ecosystem. It is estimated that fewer than 3,000 adult toads remain in the wild outside of the current breeding initiatives. As a participating zoo in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (one of only a few around the world), ZooTampa’s toad breeding program works toward re-populating this species through the transplanting of tadpoles. ZooTampa’s herpetology and veterinary teams worked tirelessly to replicate the natural reproduction process for these toads – from temperature-controlled habitats to playing mating calls. These needed steps were taken to ensure the toads’ success in dropping fertilized eggs. The transplant process task is easier said than done. There is only a small-time frame for the tadpoles to be safely sent to Puerto Rico. Along with this, very particular temperatures need to be maintained to ensure strong tadpoles along with ample oxygen in their shipping packages. The tadpoles arrived in Puerto Rico and are now being released into protected managed ponds where biologist will monitor their progress. "These tadpoles represent hope for this critically endangered species," said Dan Costell, associate curator of Herps & Aquatics Department at ZooTampa. "Many amphibian species, such as the Puerto Rican crested toad, are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, infectious diseases and other factors. Bolstering the population of these toads in their natural environment is a real win for conservation."  

It is no secret that going to university in the United States is an extreme luxury, with the various costs associated with attendance quickly adding up to be more than most can afford. Nonetheless, students take out thousands in loans to fulfill their dream of achieving an upper-level degree. Though graduation marks an exciting beginning for university students, it is also the beginning of a prolonged period of stress as students with loans slowly begin to pay off their debt. One university took it upon themselves to offer a helping hand to the 2020 and 2021 graduates, who have continued to succeed even in the most trying of times. Wilberforce University, America’s oldest private historically black university, surprised its graduates with the ultimate graduation gift: complete student loan cancellation. The president of the university, Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard, announced at the end of his commencement speech that the school will cancel any and all student load debt and fines owed from the classes of both 2020 and 2021. “As these graduates begin their lives as responsible adults, we are honored to be able to give them a fresh start by relieving their student debt to the university,” Pinkard said to Forbes. The loan relief comes to approximately $375,000, provided with financial support from the United Negro College Fund, Jack and Jill Inc, as well as emergency financial act through the Cares Act, the $2.2. trillion stimulus package that Congress passed last year. As we all look to navigate our new world – one that seems oddly familiar and foreign at the same time – these graduates will lead us into a better future. Wilberforce University gave these students a fresh, debt-free start – one where they can enter a world forever changed by COVID with their education as their greatest resource, ready to change the world.

Kamryn Gardner, a 7 year old from Bentonville, Arkansas likes pockets. That being said, when she reached into the sides of her pants to keep her hands warm, she was shocked to find that her pockets were sewn shut. “They were fake pockets,” said Kamryn, “It bothered me that they weren’t real pockets.” She didn’t understand why her pants did not have the pockets as her brother’s pants. Kamryn had just learned about persuasive writing and school and she decided to put her skills to the test. Kamryn’s mom also thought it would be a good life lesson to write Old Navy about her problem. Kamryn wrote, “Dear Old Navy, I do not like that the front pockets of the girls jeans are fake. I want front pockets because I want to put my hands in them. I would like to put things in them.” She continued, “Would you consider making girls jeans with front pockets that are not fake? Thank you for reading my request. Sincerely, Kamryn Gardner, age 7.” Neither Mr. or Mrs. Gardner thought it would end there. Mr. Gardner, who works in the retail industry, stated, “We honestly thought it would end there.” “We just want our kids to learn to use their own voices and solve problems. We didn’t think we’d hear from Old Navy, and that if we did, it would be a generic email.” Nobody was expecting Old Navy’s sincere response. They sent Kamryn two new pairs of shorts and two pairs of pants with real pockets. The attached note read: “Kamryn, thank you so much for taking the time to write to us about pockets on girl’s jeans...The Old Navy kids product team appreciate your information. It’s great feedback as we develop new product. In appreciation, please accept some girls bottoms for you to enjoy.” Kamryn brought the note and pants to show and tell at school. “The girls in my class are really happy about it,” she said. “They like pockets, too.” Old Navy appreciated Kamryn’s feedback and Kamryn certainly appreciates her new “real pocket” pants.  Photo Credit: Courtesy Bentonville Schools

The Labrador-retriever mix was enrolled in a program to become a service dog, but couldn’t quite keep his focus enough to pass the class. He was way more interested in exploring the world with his nose. While this kept him from becoming a service dog, it is exactly what caught the eye of the State Farm Arson Dog Program. Sheldon began to learn to use his nose to sniff out accelerants used to light illegal fires, and quickly rose to the top of his class. He was paired with Lieutenant John Tadlock of the Saginaw, Texas fire department, where he became their first accelerant detection canine. In Sheldon’s first ever case, a few cars at a car dealership had been torched, and nobody could figure out how the fires started. Three days later, Sheldon arrived on the scene, and within 30 seconds had found the source. “We dig through some debris and find a Molotov cocktail. It was just under some debris from the vehicle that had burned away, three days earlier. You couldn’t even see it” Tadlock said. Since then, Sheldon has been helping the fire department track down arsonists, and he and Tadlock are looking forward to many more years of hard work. While most sniffer dogs only work for 5-10 years, Sheldon lives with Lieutenant Tadlock while off duty, and will continue to be a beloved pet for many years to come.  

Barb Heim, a first-grade teacher in her 35th year at Conneaut Valley Elementary School in Conneautville, Pennsylvania, truly believes in “no child left behind.” Every day after school, Heim drives 20 minutes to Harrison Conner’s house. Harrison is a second-grader battling leukemia. Heim delivers the day’s lesson to him and keeps his spirits up as he undergoes treatment. She brings the classroom to him, following all necessary precautions, of course. They both wear masks and Heim wears a face shield. Heim greatly enjoys their time together. When interviewed by TODAY, Heim stated, “It was a joy, because I knew he wanted to learn. He said he couldn’t wait. He was so excited. And he’d have his off days if medicine was causing him to not feel up to it. It wasn’t the best day for him, but we made it through. And he always did his best.” Heim has been there from the start. In fact, she was the first one who noticed that something was off with Harrison, as he was often very pale and not as active as normal. She told the school nurse who notified Harrison’s mother. His presence in class has been deeply missed. Heim stated, “Oh, he’s an amazing little guy. He is so much fun in class. You could have 100 of him in a classroom, and you would still take more because he has that sense about him. He wants to learn. He loves to learn new things.” Harrison and his family love Mrs. Heim. Harrison’s mother, Suzanne, stated, “Ever since the minute he was diagnosed...she has been absolutely amazing. She has kept Harrison such a part of the kids’ lives in school and making sure that he feels remembered.” Suzanne even compared Heim to an aunt who always brings goodies and a smile. The goodies and smiles, as well as the treatment, are working well. Harrison is currently in remission. He has another year and a half of treatment and Heim will be by his side through it all. 

Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewiumi, a 10 year old Nigerian refugee, has just been awarded the title “Chess Master.” While living in a homeless shelter in New York City in 2019, Tani won the New York state chess championship for his age group. In order to achieve master status, he had to defeat two experts, a master and an international master. When Tani was interviewed by NPR, he simply stated, “I was very happy that I won and that I got the title...I really love that I finally got it.” While his family lived in a homeless shelter, Tani learned to play chess in school in New York City. He practices chess for 10 or 11 hours every day after school. Tani’s family left northern Nigeria in 2017 as refugees. His book, My Name is Tani...And I believe in Miracles: The Amazing True Story of One Boy’s Journey from Refugee to Chess Champion,” explains his extraordinary origin story. His family fled Boko Haram and came to the US, where his father became a dishwasher and Uber driver and his mother was a housekeeper. Tani has received much kindness and help along the way. When his family could not afford to pay the membership costs for the school’s chess program, Russell Makofsky, the chess teacher, waived the fees. A stranger gifted him a chess clock. His mother would take him to free practice sessions in Harlem and his dad saved up to get Tani a laptop so he could play chess online. A GoFundMe page for Tani has raised $255,000 for housing, legal, and educational resources. The money also pays for Tani’s grandmaster coach, who teaches him two or three times a week. Further, his GoFundMe page attracts countless comments, people thanking him for being such an inspiration and encouraging him to keep working. Tani’s love for chess is only growing. His next goal is to become the youngest grandmaster. Sergey Karjakin, the current record-holder, achieved this at age 12. With his intelligence, support system, and work ethic, it seems like he will achieve his dream. 

When the coronavirus pandemic sent the world into lockdown, eight-year old Sonny Mason had an idea.  The boy from Kings Heath, Birmingham, decided to handwrite jokes and post them at the end of his driveway for neighbors and passersby to enjoy.  He hoped that the jokes would offer a brief moment of relief from the pandemic related hardships happening across the globe. Each day, for 100 consecutive days, Sonny displayed handwritten jokes in his driveway, alongside an original illustration, for strangers and neighbors to read. Sonny told the BBC, "I just thought because we're in such a hard time now, if I wrote a joke out, it would cheer people up and my mum told me to do it as well - to practise my handwriting." The first joke that Sonny put out read: “Why do seagulls only fly over the sea?  Because if they flew over the bay they would be called bagels.” It is hard not to smile while reading the joke, and Sonny’s comedic coping strategy quickly started receiving positive feedback. Sonny’s initiative to spread smiles during a worldwide lockdown even caught the attention of comedian Sir Lenny Henry.  In a letter to Sonny, the comedian wrote, “I'm sure it really cheered people up and put a smile on their face when they really needed it.” Sonny’s daily jokes also inspired Sir Lenny Henry to launch Share a Smile, a campaign that encourages people to share their favorite jokes with their community and neighbors. The comedian goes on to thank him for putting smiles on people’s faces, and emphasizing the importance of spreading laughter, especially during hard times.