Today, in my exciting* life...
So last night after Uni, I was walking up to the bus stop. Exciting, I know. And before I get into this equally exciting parable, let me just state that Iād just gone through a 9 hour long marathon of back to back classes, in which I was surrounded almost entirely by first years, and had spent the previous 5 days working.
Anyway, there I was, on the verge of zombie shuffling down the last street I had to traverse before I got to the blessed bus stop. I was tired, seeing as I hadnāt had a day to myself in almost a week, and I was hungry, seeing as Iād had breakfast and two sushi rolls that day. So how I managed to notice the $100 in cash fall from a someoneās pocket may very well be an act of God himself.
But notice it I did, and what did I do with that knowledge? Without really stopping to consider any alternative, I picked the money up, took my headphones out, and ran after the rightful owner.
But the story doesnāt stop there. I wouldnāt describe the owner as being beside herself with gratitude, but she was obviously happy to get the money back. And considering the numerous stereotypes surrounding my generation, and how untrustworthy people can be, she was thankful. In a decision that took as much processing time as my decision to pick the money up, she split the cash in half, and gave me a share as a reward.
Needless to say, I was shocked. I didnāt return the money expecting a reward, I did it simply because Iām a good person. I know what itās likes having to count your pennies and stick to a strict budget in order to ensure you can afford the necessities. For all I know, she couldāve needed that $100 to get her through to pay day, so losing it would cause more grief for her than any monetary gain for me.
Despite trying to turn down the reward, she insisted, eventually walking away. For a few seconds I stood there, looking at the money in my hand just trying to come to grips with what had just happened. By being honest and returning cash that someone had dropped, I had been given 50% of it as a reward.
So remember Kids, there is nothing wrong with being honest. It is an admirable trait, and if my crazy story is anything to go by, can serve you well in life.