Life
Students Surprise Janitor With Generous Gift
This happy-go-lucky, jolly janitor is loved by his students - so they wanted to do something special for him.
Kalli Sarkin
07.04.18

We have all heard of teacher appreciation awards. But what about the rest of the people who work to make school a pleasant place for all students? We often don’t think of the people who work behind the scenes, like the janitorial staff.

These people dedicate their lives to the students of their institutions, yet they hardly receive the credit they deserve. One school did something to change that, and their token of appreciation is sure to tug on your heart strings.

Tom WREN
Source:
Tom WREN

The students of the University of Bristol, England, loved and appreciated Herman Gordon, one of their janitors. The man always had a smile on his face, and he spread cheer wherever he went. He had a great sense of humor, and he brightened many students’ days.

The students admired and respected this man, and some of them even admitted so on an anonymous Facebook confession group called “Bistruths.” Herman was known as the jolliest man around, and he walked the school like a ray of sunshine.

Denise Gordon
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Denise Gordon

Despite Herman’s demeanor, his life was not as perfect as it seemed. He had not seen his family back in Jamaica for four years, and he missed them dearly. Unfortunately he and his wife could not afford a trip to go visit.

The students were surprised when they learned this information, and they wanted to do something to change it. They felt that they owed him something in exchanged for all the times he had put a smile on their faces. They put their heads together to help their beloved friend.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Some students organized a crowdfunding campaign; their goal was to send Herman on a trip to see his family. Word spread around the university, and soon the fundraiser had gathered more than enough to make a difference.

In all the campaign received more than 230 donations, and the students were able to give £1,500 (or about $2,000) to the janitor. This was enough to pay for Herman and his wife to vacation in Jamaica.

Ted Roberts
Source:
Ted Roberts

The students got out the money in cash and placed it in an envelope. They handed it to Herman, along with this heartwarming note:

Dear Herman,

On behalf of the students at Bristol, we would like to thank you for all the positive energy you have given to us throughout the years. You have brightened many of our days and we want you to know that we love and appreciate you. We have come together to give you a special gift as our way of saying thank you. Have a lovely summer!

Much love,

Bristol Students

YouTube Screenshot
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YouTube Screenshot

When he saw this amazing gift, the janitor could not believe his eyes. He was completely surprised by the generosity of these students. Now he knew without a doubt how much he meant to them.

The students captured Herman’s reaction on video and posted it online. In it, they shared a sweet message.

YouTube Screenshot
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YouTube Screenshot

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this incredible gift,” they state in the caption. “It is truly amazing what we can achieve when we come together. It is thanks to your generosity that we’ve been able to raise about £1,500 – meaning both Herman and his wife will be able to visit Jamaica for the first time in 4 years!”

This is one grateful group of individuals. It is incredible that they are able to show so much appreciation for the people around them.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Many janitors are under-appreciated, but Herman will always be sure that he has a special place in the hearts of his students. These people are an example of what an impact we can make when we give in to gratitude.

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Source: Positive Outlooks

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