Pay It Forward

Sunday, January 4, 2009
On the last day before winter break, we watched a movie called "Pay It Forward". The movie was about a boy who wanted to help change the world, one person at a time. We were assigned to help change the world as well. I wanted to do something special, something that can put a smile on someone's face. Like make treat bags and give them to the Children's Hospital, or help at a nursing home. But, I wasn't able to do so since my parents were busy with other stuff. Although I couldn't have it my way, I realized that doing something helpful still counts. 

For this assignment, I decided to shovel the path to my house. My parents just came home from work and I overheard them talking about shovelling the sidewalk.  They seemed tired after a day at work, so I thought I could shovel for them. So, when they went to sleep (they go to bed pretty early) I went outside and grabbed a shovel. When I was done with my house, I thought it wasn't enough. The path of my neighbour's house was covered in snow as well. I assumed that they were sleeping or went out since their lights were off. 


I didn't leave any note in the mailbox for my neighbour saying to pay it forward, but the next morning I told my parents to pay it forward. They asked what pay it forward was, so I explained to them about the movie we watched and that I did something that might please them. My parents were confused. As my mom was about to leave for work, she saw that our path was cleared up and seemed very happy about it. She asked me if I was the one who did it and all I said was, "Yes, now you have to pay it forward."

I know I couldn't do the things I wanted to do, but I still ended up putting a smile on someone's face which was the whole point of this assignment. Even the little things like shoveling or picking up garbage can put a smile on someone's face. People may think that you have to be Superman to help someone, but you don't. Helping is helping, no matter what you do. Just imagine the difference between today and the future will be if you help someone one by one!

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