She was the only one who helped the elderly woman who had fallen into the pool. “You’ve just changed your destiny,” the old woman said.
At seventeen, Joyce grappled with typical teenage woes: a pimple, unrequited feelings for Lucas, and envy over trendy shoes her parents couldn’t afford. Feeling unnoticed and frustrated, she clashed with her mother, Sandra, who offered patient wisdom: “One day, these moments will seem small.” At her Aunt Elaine’s wedding, Joyce felt out of place among relatives boasting about their futures. Overwhelmed, she retreated poolside, where she witnessed an elderly woman, Wilma, slip into the water. While others laughed and filmed, Joyce dove in to help, earning Wilma’s gratitude and a poignant lesson: “People today focus on ‘me,’ not ‘we.’”
Wilma’s words struck deep, prompting Joyce to reflect on her petty concerns. She began engaging more with her family, helping with chores and appreciating their efforts. Inspired, Joyce decided to pursue medicine to help others, not chase status. Months later, on her first day at medical school, Wilma surprised her with a silver brooch, symbolizing compassion. Nervous but determined, Joyce embraced her new path, forever shaped by one act of kindness that shifted her perspective from self-absorption to service.
