It’s always good to see when young people have good morals. It says a lot about their parents, their environment, and their character, and when these young people do or say something that is good we need to make sure they are awarded and encouraged so that they can stay on that good path and grow in it.
That’s exactly what happened when a young 17-year-old high schooler in San Diego returned a handbag left in a supermarket parking lot to its owner. He wasn’t expecting any type of reward or fame, he was just doing the right thing.
This smart young man, Adrian Rodriquez, found the green purse in Ralph’s parking lot located over in Chula Vista, California. Where many people would have taken the opportunity to make a quick buck and possibly ruin someone’s life had their personal belongings like credit cards, social security, and more been in there, he took it upon himself to return it.
He even went a step further when he decided he was going to hand deliver it back to the owner to make sure she got it back, rather than just walk it into the store and give it to management.
Upon arriving at her house, the owner, Eliana Martin, wasn’t home. He decided to go ahead and leave it with her roommates, and the entire encounter was captured on the Ring camera. Later, the footage was reviewed and used to help track down the good samaritan and show him a little appreciation.
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“I looked into the Ring camera, and I was like, ‘Oh my God. He’s such a young kid!’ We need to find him and just give him a little piece of gratitude,” Melina Marquez said.
Both Martin and her posted the video online which didn’t take long to go viral. They were able to quickly track down the young fellow who returned the purse, which contained her wallet and multiple Mastercards.
“My mom always told me since I was little to always do the right thing when nobody’s around,” Adrian said. “I didn’t expect nothing back, honestly. If someone found my stuff, I’d want them to bring it back to me.”
This is exactly what I meant at the start of the article. It speaks volumes about a person’s character, their parents, and their environment. This is a great story and one that would probably go far if you shared it with your children.
However, the bright news doesn’t stop there! Marquez created a GoFundMe page aimed at showing Adrian just how much of a difference his good choice made. Friends and family and admirers across the internet all pitched in to reward his honesty and morals.
Over time and between over 700 people who donated, the cash quickly added up to over $17,000 – that’s certainly a reward he’ll never forget, and I’m sure this moment will stick with him forever.
Marquez added that “Every parent right now hopes that their children grow up to be just like this young gentleman.” And that’s one statement I wholeheartedly agree with. Every good parent would love to see their children grow in good morals and be successful. Things are looking up for Adrian, and we hope his light can help influence others to do the same.
