How One Stranger Changed a Poor Student’s Life Forever | Inspiring Story Summary

This is a true story about how one act of kindness changed a poor boy’s life and even the lives of his future children.

Alex Haley’s father, Simon Haley, was born in a poor farming family. His mother wanted him to get an education, even though people thought school was a waste of time for farm boys. He worked very hard and went to college, but he was extremely poor. He had little money, few clothes, and had to do many small jobs to survive.

At one point, he even failed a course because he could not afford the textbook. He felt hopeless and thought about quitting college.

During summer, Simon got a job as a porter on a train. One night, a rich and educated passenger talked to him. The man noticed Simon was intelligent and polite. Simon did not know it, but this conversation would change his life.

Later, when Simon returned to college, the college president told him something surprising. The passenger from the train, Mr. Boyce, had donated $500 to pay for Simon’s education, books, and living expenses.

This was a huge amount of money at that time. Because of this help, Simon finished college successfully and even got a scholarship to Cornell University for his master’s degree.

Because Simon became educated, his children also grew up in a good environment. They became successful people. One of them was Alex Haley himself, who later became a famous writer and wrote The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Moral of the Story :

1. Never quit your dream and keep working hard. You will get help, resources strangely.

2. Empowerment people through education. A man is not giving him direct money which might hurt his dignity. Generous man give most precious thing education. Which changes his and family future.

3. We must help each other. It better than to curse system or govt.