When teachers returned to a Michigan school after summer vacation, they found a surprising package and a visual reminder of the positive impact they have.
The Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic school in the Detroit suburb of Bloomfield Hills, received a package from Dubai, over 7,000 miles away.
Director of Enrichment Agostino Visocchi was immediately perplexed by the copy of T.S. Eliot by Leonard Unger until he found a handwritten note.
The note read: "I graduated from ASH in 1980. I live now in Dubai, of the U.A.E. In a radical decluttering of my belongings, I came across the enclosed."
"Please accept my sincere apologies for the 33-year tardy return! Wishing you and the very wonderful educational institution ASH is, the very best."
"Cyntha Gonzalez, Class of 1980."
"An ’80 alum mailing us a book back about T.S. Eliot? It made us feel good knowing our alums still care so much about doing the right thing," Visocchi said.
"We’re a mission-based school, priding ourselves on creating leaders of conscience."
"Knowing this woman’s conscience was bothering her because she had a 65 cent book… It was just a great moment, a nice lighthearted moment to start off the day.
Gonzalez lives in Dubai and works as a human relations coach, trainer and writer. Apparently one who leads by – and sets – a very good example!
No word if the 33-year late fee will be waived or what it would even amount to.
A 65 cent book is probably at least a few bucks in 2013 dollars. Just saying.