Teen Girl Surprises Classmate with Gift That Leaves Him Sobbing
South Carolina high schooler Sofi Cruz Turner and her friend Jahiem have known one another since the third grade.
The two have been close ever since, going to the same schools up through high school.
Sofi has always held a special place in her heart for her friend over the years. “He has always been that one student where he does all of his work when due, never misses school, always helping the teacher out with stuff in class, and always being a happy human being,” she wrote on Facebook.
But in April, Jahiem had hinted that he needed a new pair of shoes. Sofi recently started her first job, and had been hoping to give him a gift.
“Last week, he didn’t want to sound in need, Jahiem asked “can someone buy me a pair of shoes? I don’t like mine and I wear a 10-11.” I’ve always thought about getting him something before but never had the money or the gut to do it,” she continued.
So Sofi decided to spend some of the money she’d earned from her job on a special gift for Jahiem.
“Since I’ve gotten a job and have been working really hard, I got the money together and bought him a pair of shoes the next day. My Mom and GranDaddy helped out as well,” she added.
The teen put together the gift in a backpack and surprised him with it during class. The heartwarming moment was caught on video.
“You are very special to me,” Sofi began. “You’re a very good friend to me, and since I got a job, I’ve been thinking about getting something special for somebody. This is for you.”
Jahiem opened the backpack and pulled out a shoe box, followed by a pair of socks and a shirt. When he finally understood what was happening, he broke down in tears.
“When giving him his stuff and watching him open his bag, all my emotions were coming out. Seeing him crying was very emotional because I could see that he was didn’t know what to think,” Sofi said.
“I am so thankful to know that giving Jahiem those shoes made him so happy and allowing me to realize that giving someone something so special can be life changing.”
Sofi’s act of kindness towards Jahiem quickly went viral, with nearly 2,500 shares and over 5,000 likes in just one day.
The teen shared an update on May 3, revealing how thankful her friend was the next day at school.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone for showing the love that was given to Jahiem,” Sofi wrote.
“The moment I saw him wearing his new shoes and shirt made me so happy and almost made me cry because I felt in my heart that he loved his gift.”
Sofi also shared how her other classmates and friends of Jahiem felt inspired by her generosity.
“My heart was so full!!!” she added. “A lot of people have messaged asking how they can also help. We only ask that you find someone in your area that could use some kindness and pay it forward. Everyone has a Jahiem in their life, you just have to look around and see them!!!”
Sofi and Jahiem’s story just goes to show that kindness, no matter how small it may seem, is always worth sharing with others.
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