The guy stood there as car after car drove by, holding his sign that read, “Please help, looking for food.” The guy had a tear in his eye that really got to me.  The man was wearing a raggedy grey shirt, torn up jeans, and cheap beat up velcro shoes.  Just getting done shopping for school, I felt like I had spent enough money on myself and that I needed to help someone who really needs it.  The man standing on the corner had a very sad and traumatic look on his face that was being ignored by every passing car, except for my mom and me.  We stopped at the light and he looked into my eyes.  After that, I knew I had to do something.  I said to my mother, “I want to help him out; I want to do something for someone beside myself.”  I was very concerned about the man, who looked like he hadn’t eaten in many days.  I wondered what his last meal was, and what his next meal would be.  

Concerned, I asked my mom, “Mom, could we stop somewhere and get this poor man something to eat?  He’s been sitting out on this street corner all day, and nobody has done anything about it.” We went down the road and stopped at the McDonalds.  Wanting to get him something at least somewhat healthy, we ordered him two bags of apples, a drink, a McChicken, and a normal hamburger.  We rushed back to the street corner where he stood.  As I stepped out of the car with the bag of food, he saw me and started to cry.  I quickly walked to the man as I could see he was very anxious and thankful to eat his food.  I expected the man to just take the food and not say anything, but it wasn’t like that.  I handed the man the food and his drink.  He broke down in tears, shaking my hand, and said, “Son, you didn’t have to do that for me.  This is such a good thing you are doing for me, and I am so grateful.  Thank you very much, son.” It was obvious that the man had not showered for at least a few weeks, but it was okay because I know that not everyone gets the privilege to do things like shower and eat like most of us do daily. 

From this experience I have learned to never take what I have for granted and be thankful for what people have because many people have it worse than we do.  I have also learned that helping someone will not only make him or her feel better, but it will also help a person’s self-esteem and attitude towards others.  People really look up the other people who try to help others out, and they are very thankful when somebody helps that person.  Helping others is one of the greatest feelings in the world.  This experience has made me a better person.  I have recently helped at the local P.A.T.H center, done community service, and donated to charities because of this.  I didn’t just help the guy on the corner; he also helped me.  He made a huge impact on me and made me realize that it’s not all about me.  Other people need money more than I do.  I can go without getting the latest electronic device, newest pair of shoes, or something new for my truck.  People are out there who don’t get one meal a day, and I get three meals a day.  People overlook the people in need like that man on the corner that I saw, and that is not the right thing to do.  Doing one little favor like giving a homeless guy one meal can impact his whole life and even boost his self-esteem.