Walk a mile, walk two

 

Before one of my classes, I stopped and ate dinner at Subway in downtown Atlanta. I took my textbook in with me with the intent of studying for a test. The owner of the restaurant started talking to me about my textbook and my class. We talked about my future as an educator and his children’s experiences in school. Then he asked how much my textbook cost, and I told him that I wasn’t sure, but I think it was $20. He pulled out his wallet, handed me $20, and asked if I would mind getting him a copy of the book. I looked at him puzzled because I had only just met this man and he was entrusting me with $20. He saw my confusion and said, “You don’t look like someone who will run off with my money. Plus, you’re going to be a teacher, and teachers aren’ t slime balls. I trust that you’ll get me this book.” The University bookstore didn’t have any more copies. I didn’t want to let this man down, so I did a little research and found another copy of the book. A week later, I bought a copy of the book. I took it by Subway and gave it to the owner. He smiled and couldn’t thank me enough for doing that for him. It took a little time to find and buy the book for this man. But this man, whom I had a ten minute conversation with, trusted me. I heard someone say once, “If someone asks you to walk a mile…walk two.” Wouldn’t this world be a better place if we all loved and trusted each other more? Maybe we’d like each other more, too.

 

Shannon Royal Georgia State University