A $50 note

It is a special note, not because it is of the biggest par value I received in the money collection activity today, but the fact that it contains a positive and selfless attitude towards life.

I can never forget the scene when I asked a young American lady if she would like to donate for the disabled, she said yes without hesitation. More significantly, there was a smiling face. Then she opened her purse, as my eyes followed her hands, I saw there was only one note in her purse, a $50 note. She took the note out, folded four times and squeezed it into the money-collect tin narrowly, of course, with a sweet smile. “You are so generous!” I praised her sincerely; in fact, I was kind of shocked by her behavior. To my great surprise, she looked at me with a pair of curious eye, as if I had done something wrong. I did not realize the meaning of her eyes until I came back to Eton Hall lying on bed, thinking of it for a long time. “Have a nice day!” she said then went away, before I could show my thankfulness. I stood there, trying to recall all that happened just now; it was only in a few seconds that the kind lady performed her behavior and gave me something really valuable to think about.

Compared with those so-called gentlemen, those so-called rich people, she is so outstanding. I noticed the great embarrassment appeared on those faces when people did not want to take out their change and put it in the tin—such a simple thing. I also observed the uneasiness of them when they donated the money to keep their face. However, there were also people like that lady who donated with a pure heart to help.

As for the curious eyes, I think the only reason that I could think out is due to a great difference in understanding the act of donation. Donating is not a matter of generosity, but a matter of the will of dedication. It is not the amount of money that counts, but the attitude and desire.
What about myself? I can still remember that I have refused to donate several times, which I feel a great regret to have done so. Perhaps it is due to the situation of society of China and the bad impact it left on me. Who knows? All in all, I think I have to change. Thanks to the young lady, thank you.