I was a stranger, and you welcomed me

“Oh God, let us not forget to be kind” – Mary Stewart, 1904

 

Two years ago, I moved to a Northern California community for work. Since it was far from home and real estate was affordable, I scraped everything I had and bought a fixer on the promise that a friend would come and help me do the work. I had done a few small projects myself, but I was far from competent to take on this project without any help. Well, as Murphy’s Law would suggest, the worst thing that could happen happened. Not only did my friend not help, but he also ghosted me. Then, both the power and water were turned off by the local utility districts. The house had been on the market for over a year, and as soon as the purchase was complete, the power and water were shut off. Dejected, I stood in a dark house with no water that needed a lot of work. I had some figuring to do. I went to get some ‘comida Mexicana’ therapy in the form of chili Verde, rice and beans. I learned you can now get it on a plate or in a burrito. Either way is outstanding.

 

In that parking lot I struck up a conversation with a man who was picking up his order and asked if he knew someone who could do handyman work. This guy did not look the part of a handyman, but I’d learn firsthand that looks can be very deceiving. Hector is his name. For the next two months, Hector and his son worked on that house with me to completion. We’d work our regular jobs during the day and work on the house into the night. I did not tell him about my situation, that the handyman I hired flaked and ghosted me, I just asked if he knew someone he could recommend to me. What he did was probably the kindest and most generous thing that I could imagine happening. He rolled up his sleeves and helped.

 

Whatever we didn’t know how to do already, we figured out and had a great time doing it. At the time, I had no idea how to thank him and his helper. I did pay him, but that didn’t come close to what he’d done for me. I’ve told him that. I think my telling this story now is another way of letting him know how grateful I still am for his help. As time went on, there were kindnesses sent my way from around the community that made me wonder if this was the nicest city in California.

 

I soon left that job, and not long after, I arrived in Lone Pine, easily home of the coolest people in California. In my research for the job interview, I needed information to talk about, I learned a lot about this community, and the word that popped into my head was Uncommon. First was the budget. Financially, Lone Pine USD is in a good place. Second was student achievement. Lone Pine student achievement defies everything the information would suggest about communities, economics, and student achievement. It is truly uncommon. Our students have every reason to perform below average, and they don’t. They perform markedly above average. This is a testament to the commitment of the community to our students, who deserve the best. Uncommon.

 

The good book tells me that being kind to strangers is the best approach because in doing so you will unwittingly show love to angels. Hector showed me great kindness, a kindness that I have since been inspired to show to others I meet. In my professional life I prioritize kindness, respect, encouragement and support. To everyone. A mantra of mine is to treat people better than they deserve because 1. You never have to explain why you treated someone well and 2. The door of friendship will remain open.

 

Coming to Lone Pine has been a very similar experience. I know someone upstairs is looking out for me because the people in this community have been warm and encouraging. They have extended unbelievable kindnesses that are hard to put into words. I won’t try to name them all because I’m sure I’ll miss someone or something deserving of note. I will say that from the school board extending this opportunity to me to the community expressing vocal support, to the parents and the students welcoming me in, it is clear that Lone Pine is an uncommon community full of people who want the best for their kids. I plan to deliver.

 

I heard somewhere that when you treat people well, they’ll treat you better. People in Lone Pine have treated me better than I ever expected, in turn, I’m going to give back as much as I can. Every chance I get. Building morale, providing guidance, offering training, and support is the plan. The most important people in any District are the students. The second most important people are the people closest to the students. As you go up the chain of command, there is more responsibility to take care of the needs of everyone in the District. I see acceptance of that responsibility in our District leadership, and I plan to be the drum leader and do everything I can to give the best experience to every student and every employee.

 

Let me correct myself and share one story. I flew out of Bishop the other day. My bank card was cancelled because of an outside threat attempting to use it online. If you’ve travelled recently, you know there isn’t much you can do without a card. I was carrying cash, and my new card hadn’t been delivered yet. The United attendant and I were at a standstill with a second attendant staring at us both, waiting for one of us to blink. What happened next would strike me as one of the great kindnesses that could have happened at that moment. She demonstrated the kind of uncommon service that endears customers to businesses, and I walked away grateful.

 

Tania Stephens writes, “A small act of kindness can create a large ripple”. The kindness you share encourages others to share kindness with others, who will share kindness with others. These multiplying kindnesses that started with one make for a better community and a better world. I am sure there are other communities full of kind people, but for me, I’m taking Lone Pine, California, and am committed to making the world a better place—one kindness at a time. Go Golden Eagles!

OH LORD GOD, LET US FORGET NOT TO BE KIND

William A. Brown