Letters

‘Nameless hero’ comes forward

Editor:

On Friday, May 5, the Daily Bruin ran an article about a
"nameless hero" who helped a 4-year-old girl at the Westwood Pizza
Hut. Fortunately, my friend alluded me to this article, otherwise I
would’ve missed the mother’s heartwarming expression of gratitude.
More importantly, it was reassuring to hear that her daughter had
fully recovered from the incident. Since the mother undoubtedly
went out of her way to tell this story, she should know that her
thanks were much appreciated.

The recognition obviously moved me, but it also reminded me of
the many "nameless heroes" and Good Samaritans who have touched my
life. Unfortunately, I never thanked them. By the time I fully
realized their impact on my life, they had already disappeared.
Likewise, we rarely hear about the everyday heroes and the good
deeds such individuals perform. There are far more stories about
individuals who are recognized for achieving status and prestige,
or worse, notoriety. But then again, with or without the public
recognition, the good deeds are themselves the greatest personal
rewards.

Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all
you "do-gooders" out there who selflessly go out of your way to
help a stranger. You know who you are. You pulled over to help me
when my motorcycle’s rear tire locked up in the middle of a major
freeway; you returned my keys to the lost and found; you stepped in
to break up an argument that could’ve gone awry; you jump-started
my car when the battery died; you cared for my friend until the
ambulance arrived. For coming to my aid irrespective of race, class
or gender, I can only show you my appreciation through my
deeds.

I am proud to be among the nameless heroes.

Mitchell Chang

Graduate student

Education