Moving to New York City at 18 was a big change for me, especially coming from a small Southern town. I found myself at a subway ticket machine, completely lost and overwhelmed. As I struggled to buy a MetroCard, a line of impatient commuters formed behind me, and my anxiety grew until I started to cry.

Just then, a kind man stepped in and halted the line. He patiently explained how to use the machine and even bought me a 12-ride card. His encouraging words, “The next time someone yells at you, just yell back,” made me feel supported and hopeful, reminding me that kindness exists even in a bustling city.