Shuttle Generosity Restores Faith in Harvard Students

To the editors:

On Monday, an amazing thing happened to me on the shuttle bus from the Quad to the Yard. It restored my faith in Harvard students as people with compassion and generous spirits. I am writing this letter because I have no other way of thanking the person who helped me so unselfishly, since she would not tell me her name.

I was in a rush to get to a job interview in Boston, and didn't realize until the shuttle reached the Square that I had left my wallet at home. My ID card, my key, and most importantly--cash and my ATM card--were still at home. If I returned to the Quad, I would be extremely late for the interview, but I couldn't get to the interview because I didn't even have money for the T.

Trying to remain calm, I explained my situation to the students around me, and immediately, help was offered. Two people I knew only slightly fished in their pockets for money, and each offered me fare for the T. Thank you to Jason Shaffner '99 and Nolan Myers '00 for enabling me to make it to my interview on time.

I also offer thanks to my anonymous helper. After hearing my plea, the woman in the seat in front of me offered me a $10 bill, which I needed to take a cab from one interview to the next. When I asked her for her name so that I could repay her, she would not tell me, but insisted that I take the money. This woman made a huge difference in my day--her generosity lifted my spirits and allowed me focus on my interview instead of stressing about how I would get to my next one. I wish I could thank her in person.

It was so heartening to be reminded that Harvard students are people, too. Thank you for being my guardian angels today. I was truly touched by your kindness. ANGELA C. WALCH '98   March 10, 1998