First Witness To An Act of Kindness

During the past several months, I have written blog posts regarding the importance of taking time to help others succeed and lending a hand to those who need assistance. I've often written about the importance of how taking time to help others is meaningful to others and can build trust and lasting relationships. Last night, I was able to witness a very generous act of kindness that meant a lot to a young boy and his family.

When walking into Solon, Ohio's Stewart Field to take pictures of the Solon vs. Massillon Jackson lacrosse game, I noticed all off the players, coaches and parents wearing t-shirts promoting "Vincestrong." I wasn't 100% sure what exactly "Vincestrong" was until one of the parents came up to me and asked that I take pictures of the captains going out for the coin toss. The parent informed me that "Vincestrong" was created to help a local boy who was diagnosed with leukemia and raise money for his foundation. On this very night, this boy was not only getting an opportunity to go out for the coin toss before the game but the entire Solon lacrosse family dedicated the entire night to him and his family.

In addition to dedicating the night to this boy, the parents sold "Vincestrong" t-shirts and wrist bands with the proceeds benefiting the foundation. As the game went on, I saw lots of students in attendance and parents make their way to the press box to pick up a t-shirt and donate to the cause. During halftime, I couldn't help but walk up to the press box to pick up a t-shirt to help this local boy as well.

As the night went on, I could tell how meaningful this act of kindness from the Solon lacrosse parents and players was to the boy and his family. These parents and players didn't have to do this at all but they all decided that lending a hand would be meaningful and helpful to someone in need. As a result, they garnered the trust, support and appreciation from this boy and his family for a long time.

By taking time to help others in need, you might not realize it at first but your assistance can mean a lot to someone in the end. If you have the chance to lend a hand to help, do so and you will not only assist someone but could create a lasting relationship.

When You Land a Job, Take the Time to Help Others Along the Way

Landing a new position is a great feeling and can bring about great career opportunities. It's a great feeling to get a job offer and accept it because something was accomplished through hard work and dedication. No matter how far you go and what positions you land, continue to take time to help others.

At one point or another, all of us has had help from one person or another in regards to a job search. Whether it was someone taking time to look at a resume for you, reading over a cover letter, putting in a phone call to a contact, etc., we've all benefited from someone lending a hand along the way. Don't forget who lent you that hand in need and don't be shy about helping others along your path.

Being in transition is difficult and frustrating and keep that in mind if someone reaches out for your help. Take a few minutes to put yourself in that person's shoes and understand what that person must be going through, his or her frustrations and the need for someone to help them with the job search. Sometimes taking 15 minutes to talk to a person by phone can help point them in the right direction and can provide them the guidance needed for a job search. Find a way to help someone reaching out for your assistance and realize that the time you are taking will mean a lot in the end.

No matter how far you go, always take a few minutes to help others in need. It will be appreciated and you never know what can come from that relationship.

Give Back To Others No Matter How Far You Go

If it weren't for the help of several people along the way, I would not be where I am today. Many people have taken the time to provide advice, help me with my job searches and help me develop my skills along the way. I will never forget the kindness these people gave to me and will always return the favor or give back to others.

During the rough times in my life, many people went out of their way to help point me in the right direction in life and I will always remember their kindness. On both a personal and professional level, these people took time out of their lives to help guide me to where I needed to go. Helping me out was a choice of theirs and for making that choice, I will always take time out of my day to help them with their needs.

No matter how successful you are or whatever job you land, take time to help others. Whether it's through networking, a phone call for advice, offering to call someone on your behalf, take time out of your day or week to help someone who could benefit from your help. You will not only build trust with that person but provide them a reason to help you later on down the road. You might not know what they can help you with at the time but that person won't forget the kindness you showed towards them.

Whenever you come across someone you could help, remember you may have been in that person's shoes at one point or another and how grateful you felt that others took the time to help you. Don't forget where you came from and taking time out of your schedule to help someone else will help that person find his or her way and give them a reason to pay it back later on.