Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York page is notable for sharing some of the most heartwarming stories on struggles, survival, and day-to-day lives of regular people. Documenting these real-life experiences with pictures incurs emotions, and can oftentimes be inspiring for many readers.
This Gambian lady narrated her story on the page, and it’s really that spark of hope and faith in humanity that we all need.
She described her struggles as a young international student – having to live with another Gambian family, as it began to dawn on her that her whole study process may be in jeopardy due to lack of funds.
“For two months I visited schools, asking for financial aid—but nothing was available for people like me”, she narrated.
Her luck changed when in a last-ditch attempt to secure funding, she took a leap of faith and approached Prof. Kelly Rudin in Montgomery College, Maryland.
Describing their meeting, she said – “Prof. Rudin had currency from all over the world hanging on her wall. I noticed a bill from The Gambia, and that’s how we started talking. I told her my entire story, and by the end, we were crying and hugging each other.”
“When I graduated from Georgetown, they even paid for my father to attend the ceremony. He was so overwhelmed when he arrived. He gave Tom the biggest hug. It was such an emotional moment for me.”
This story is an inspiring one that warms the heart and makes you believe that kind people are still out there!