Most people have a dream job; a job they’ve been thinking about since their childhood.
A few of us have even managed to achieve that dream, though for the majority life hasn’t turned out exactly the way we thought it would when we were young.
The plain fact of the matter is that most of us get stuck in a job that serves but one purpose: Paying the bills necessary to keep a roof over our heads.
Finding a job that you truly love is a rarity, but Kimber Bermudez is one of the few who has managed it.
When she started talking with the passenger sitting next to her aboard a flight from Chicago to Florida, she had other things on her mind.
But since her friendly neighbor was so talkative, and asked Kimber to tell more about her profession, she started speaking about the job she so loves.
Kimber is a teacher, and an extremely passionate one at that.
Of course, she mentioned this to the man who had sat beside her on the plane as they engaged in small talk.
The conversation then moved on to the teaching community at large, with the stranger asking Kimber what the biggest challenge was for modern teachers. Kimber, who has always been frank, held nothing back.
She confessed that her work at a low-income school could be heartbreaking at times. She talked about how tough the children there had it, and the magnitude of the difficult conditions they endured at home.
However, she’s never wavered in her conviction of giving everything she has for those kids. She hoped that 2018 would be the year when none of her pupils came to school hungry.
The man beside her then asked for her contact details. He explained that his company often makes donations, sometimes to schools like the one Kimber works in.
Kimber wasn’t expecting anything big, but she gave the man an email address for the school’s administration anyway.
Shortly after she did, something amazing happened.
Here’s what Kimber wrote on Facebook:
“The man behind me tapped my shoulder. I turned around and he apologized for listening in to my conversation, and he handed me a wad of cash. He told me to “do something amazing” and sat back down. I was in complete awe that I had touched a stranger. I realized that there was $100 on top, and started to cry. I thanked him and told him how I would buy my students books and give back to the community. I didn’t count the money from that man, but I would later find out that he gave me $500.”
However, things didn’t end with this heartwarming gesture alone.
When the plane landed, something else happened, something that moved Kimber beyond expectation.
“The plane landed and the man on the aisle across from me told me that he listened as well. He said that he didn’t have much, but he gave me $20. As if my heart couldn’t be any happier the man in front turns around as well. He also handed me money, and said that he only had $10. I started crying on the plane. I told all four men that I would do something amazing for the kids.
“I was not telling my story to solicit money, and never intended to walk out of that flight with anything other than my carry on. I do however hope that posting this continues the chain reaction of people helping those in need, and especially the children in need. It doesn’t have to be a school in Chicago, and any bit helps!
“My heart is in complete shock and awe right now. When the world seems crazy there are always good people. I would do anything for my students, and want to thank these strangers. I don’t know the name of the man who gave me the $500 or the other generous strangers, but they deserve to be recognized. I am thankful for the good people in this world. No child should ever go without anything. This experience made me want to do more for the kids, and use my gift of speaking to help others in need. I want to pass this story around, and thank those strangers and their amazing hearts!”
-Kimber Bermudez
Aisle 14 Seat C
July 10, 2018
Teachers are truly a gift to our children, and it’s always the most passionate amongst them that leave the lasting impressions as our kids grow.
Thank you, Kimber, for sharing this brilliant story. It’s a major reminder that there are yet good people in the world.
Since her story went viral, thousands of other people have pledged their support to Kimber’s cause and donated money.
There’s a saying: The average teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the great teacher shows, the greatest teacher inspires. I certainly know which category Kimber belongs to.
Please share this amazing story if you want to help us spread some inspiration around. Together, we can make a difference.