Struggling Boy Opens Backpack Teen Girl Gave Him, Soon Drops Head Down

Dec 17, 2021 by apost team

Being a kid or a teen and knowing your family can’t always afford all of the things you need can be very challenging. It can become a burden and often leads to worry and stress. Having the strength to ask for help can be just as hard at times. One boy from South Carolina was going through this hardship when one of his classmates surprised him with a gift in 2018.

Sofi Cruz Turner said her friend, Jahiem, is one of the most hardworking and happy people she knows. She shared that she had known Jahiem since they were in third grade together in Mrs. Dragotta's class in Conway, South Carolina. Sofi always sees the boy go out of his way to help others, so she wanted to return the favor. Then, one day, Jahiem mentioned that he needed some new shoes. The teenage girl knew exactly what she was going to do.

Saving up the money she earned from her first job, Sofi was able to buy Jahiem a new pair of shoes, as well as some socks and a T-Shirt. When Sofi announced to her class that she had a gift for the boy, she placed a backpack on his desk that contained the gifts. As Jahiem opened the present, he was able to keep his composure until Sofi gave him a hug. Then his gratitude flowed from his eyes as he bowed his head and cried. 

The video that showed Sofi giving Jahiem his gift is very touching. This gesture was incredibly kind and an awesome thing to see from some high school students. Keep reading to learn more details about this story. 

Sofi made a post on her Facebook page that explained the story. She started her post by mentioning what a good person Jahiem is. “He has always been that one student where he does all of his work when due, never misses school, always helping the teacher out with stuff in class, and always is a happy human being,” Sofi wrote.

The girl knew she wanted to do something special for her friend, but she wasn’t sure what to get him until he mentioned the shoes. Sofi shared: 

“Last week, he didn’t want to sound in need, Jahiem asked ‘can someone buy me a pair of shoes? I don’t like mine and I wear a 10-11.’ I’ve always thought about getting him something before but never had the money or the guts to do it. Since I’ve gotten a job and have been working really hard, I got the money together and bought him a pair of shoes the next day. My Mom and GranDaddy helped out as well.”

Doing something kind for Jahiem made Sofi feel like she was making a difference in his life, but also her own. She wrote:

“When giving him his stuff and watching him open his bag, all my emotions were coming out. Seeing him crying was very emotional because I could see that he didn't know what to think. I am so thankful to know that giving Jahiem those shoes made him so happy and allowed me to realize that giving someone something so special can be life-changing. Love you Jahiem, with everything in me." 

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The video of the moment that Sofi gave Jahiem the sweet gift is incredibly moving. It's clear that the teen didn't quite believe what had happened until Sofi came over to hug him. That was when he put his head down and began to cry. It was very emotional, not only for him but also for the entire class, some of whom could be seen in the video.

After the video was posted to social media, people from all over commented on how kind the gesture was. One person wrote:

"That cry at the end... that makes you just think about how there ARE good people in the world. Also, in the beginning I thought he wasn’t grateful for a second but he was just trying to conceal his emotions"

Another person pointed out how high school kids aren't always known for their kindness, which made this video extra special. They said:

"This is one of the most heartwarming things I’ve seen in my life high school students can be so cruel it’s wonderful to see things like this"

Meanwhile, someone commended the way in which Sofi gave Jahiem the gift:

"This is the one time I don’t mind recording. She didn’t give it to him in a way that makes it seem she’s helping him. She did it In a way she was giving a friend she cares about a gift. What a wonderful lady"

Another user made a very good point:

"Dang sounds like she really hit some heart strings. Never know what people are going through"

It's a good reminder that we never really know what other people have going on in their lives and that small gestures of kindness — even if they don't include gifts — can truly make a difference.   

Did this special gift touch your heart? Would you do something like this for a friend when you were a teen? Let us know, and feel free to send this along to your friends and family.