Close Ad

  • Amber Dowling

Stranger Walks by Homeless Man Living on a Bus Bench - Notices a Crucial Detail Others Missed
Uplifting News

Stranger Walks by Homeless Man Living on a Bus Bench - Notices a Crucial Detail Others Missed

Life is full of ups and downs, and unfortunately, some people experience harder lows than others. Some people go through truly dark times and they need to rely on the kindness and empathy of others to get them through.That was definitely the case for one homeless man in Florida, whom everyone passed by. Everyone, that is, except for a man who took the time to look.An Important DetailIt all started when a Fort Lauderdale, Florida resident named David Beaulieu saw something that stuck out to him during one of his morning walks. He had noticed a homeless man living on a bus bench, but it wasn’t just the fact that Kenny Corbin was homeless that caught his attention. After all, he’d seen the man before.“I’ve noticed Kenny sleeping on the cement bench here, and one day I saw his mobility stick,” Beaulieu told a local news outlet. “He was holding it and actually praying. I said, 'Wow, this is crazy. This guy is blind and he’s homeless.'”Beaulieu couldn’t stop thinking about Corbin and the mysterious circumstances that brought him to that bench, so he struck up a conversation with him. It turned out that Corbin had been counting steps to get to the nearby gas station, where he would eat and use the bathroom. He also used the shower at a nearby beach.“I started talking to him and got his story, and I’m like, 'Wow, how does this guy hold up night by night?'” Beaulieu added.A Hard Turn in LifeThe more Beaulieu learned about Corbin, the more he knew he needed to help. Before he landed on that bench, Corbin had driven a semi for 35 years. He’d also always done mechanic work, but two years ago, on Christmas Eve, he was working on a van when something tragic happened.“Some kind of powder went into my eye, and it melted my corneas,” he revealed. The people he trusted cleaned him out, and he lost not only his vision but his home and most of his possessions, too.“All I have is two bags,” he continued. “A backpack and a bag. That’s it.”Once he hit the streets, Corbin had nowhere to go. A county homeless outreach found him and dropped him off at the Salvation Army, but they didn’t have a bed or a referral, so Corbin said they couldn’t help him. He packed up his stuff and left.“Someone stole two of my blankets, I’m freezing. Someone stole some of my clothes,” he said.“We tend to ignore the homeless,” Beaulieu added. “A lot of drugs and alcoholism, but that is not the case with Kenny. He’s a completely different story.”Finding New IndependenceBeaulieu stopping to chat with Corbin that day was life-changing. He wanted to help and gave the man warm blankets and some money for food. He also started a crowd-sourcing campaign to raise money for Corbin to get mobility training so that he could live on his own. However, it didn’t take off, so Beaulieu reached out to news outlets for help.“[Now] I’m at the Salvation Army in a transitional housing program,” Corbin revealed, saying it’s a “million times” better than the park bench. “It’s nice, it’s warm, it’s dry. I don’t get wet when it rains.”Corbin now has a caseworker and has applied for a few apartments through Catholic Services. He’s waiting for a portal to open to apply for Section 8 housing, in which tenants pay roughly 30 percent of their income for rent. His caseworker is also putting him in for long-term care through Social Security.“Without [the news story] and David I’d still be sitting on the bus bench on 17th Street,” he added.As for how Corbin made him feel that day he stopped to help? “It just shows me someone actually cares.”Extending CompassionCorbin is an example of how someone’s life can change in an instant and how important it is to take the time to get to know a person before judging their circumstances. No one ever really knows what someone else is going through or how they may be struggling, and this story reminds us of how far a little kindness can go.Stop and ask questions. Try not to lead with prejudice, but ask yourself what someone else may be going through before you make decisions. And when it comes to your existing relationships, always try to extend grace. Everyone goes through stuff, but it’s having people we can rely on that helps us to eventually pull through.More from Goalcast:Stranger Hands Something to Homeless Man on Metro – It Ends Up Completely Changing His LifeFreezing Homeless Man Goes to a Closed McDonald’s – Manager Defies All Rules and Does This16-Year-Old Becomes Homeless After Parents Ask Her to Move Out – Years Later, a Shocking Scene Changes Everything

8-Year-Old Girl With Genius IQ Is Told Shes Too Smart to Have Autism
Uplifting News

8-Year-Old Girl With Genius IQ Is Told Shes Too Smart to Have Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to be a misunderstood neurodevelopmental disease, and people who have it present in many different ways. As a result, there are many prejudices and mistakes that people can make in association with it, particularly when it comes to young girls.That’s why this story of an eight-year-old girl named Ana is so powerful. Thanks to an enlightening interview with the child, she’s making headlines for breaking stereotypes.An Eight-Year-Old GeniusThe world was introduced to Ana in late March when Special Books By Special Kids shared a video interview with her. In it, people met the bright eight-year-old, who has a genius IQ and holds memberships in the Davidson Young Scholars community and Mensa.Ana is homeschooled and has already completed Grade 4. She’s also fluent in English and Spanish and has created a fictional purple planet called Hypothia. It has its own ecosystem and societal structure. One day, Ana wants to become an astrophysicist and study space.This child also happens to have ASD and a physical disability called arthrogryposis, which affects the joints in all four of her limbs. However, she thinks that makes her even more special.“Having all of those things is really just a blessing to me,” she said. “I want myself to be different. I really like everything about me.”Breaking Preconceived NotionsAna says people often comment that she’s too smart to have autism. However, she really wants people to know that one has nothing to do with the other.According to Ana’s mom, many people have these preconceived notions because most people’s exposure has been to children with ASD Levels 2 or 3.“They’re used to seeing maybe some of the ways that children find it difficult to express themselves when they have autism or the ways that they need to express themselves because they’re nonverbal or they’re struggling with overstimulation and things of that nature,” she explained.As a result, she said people look at Ana and say “crazy things” like she "speaks too well" to be autistic, or she doesn’t “look” autistic, or she reads too well.“Just because a child can’t communicate verbally doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent,” she added. “Highly intelligent in fact. I think people just need to understand, you know, there’s a saying in the community, if you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism.”By sharing their story, Ana and her parents hope they can shed more light on ASD and help others understand that each child with autism is unique.“Everybody’s different and I want [everyone] out here and watching to respect everybody else with their differences,” Ana said. “Everybody should be different. I think everybody should be happy just the way they are.”Embracing Our DifferencesAs Ana herself said, everybody should be different, but it’s only when we embrace those differences that we can truly learn from one another and grow as people. Her story is a nice reminder that intelligence comes in many different forms, and we should never assume to know how someone truly is without getting to know them first.When you’ve only seen certain portrayals of disease and disorders in the past, it can be tough to move forward and break stereotypes. But by asking questions, keeping an open mind, and reminding ourselves that there is a lot we don’t know about any given subject, change is definitely possible.More from Goalcast:Little Boy With Autism Fails Test – So His Teacher Writes Him a Letter That “Broke” His MomLittle Girl With Autism Tries to Blow Out Stranger’s Birthday Candles — His Reaction Goes ViralStudent With Autism Is Brought in Front of the Whole School – After Watching This, His Dad Writes a Letter to His Classmates

Man Decides to Lose Weight Because He Doesnt Want to Die Alone - Now, Hes a Tattooed Model
Uplifting News

Man Decides to Lose Weight Because He Doesnt Want to Die Alone - Now, Hes a Tattooed Model

Humans come in all shapes and sizes, and our weight should never be tied to our self-worth. However, we also have to feel good in our own skin. Unfortunately, sometimes, our habits can be a sign that we’re not actually happy deep down.That was the case for a man named Kevin Creekman, who one day realized he needed to make significant changes in his life in order to feel more secure and happy.Struggles Early on in LifeCreekman struggled with his weight ever since he was a kid. In an interview with Brand New Me, he recalled how his younger self just didn’t participate in life. Instead, he stayed home and played World of Warcraft and ate junk food. For a time, he figured there was no point in doing anything else.“I never had a girlfriend. I never was out partying,” he recalled. “I was a pretty addicted World of Warcraft player. My whole life was just spinning around this video game.”You see, Creekman had been overweight even as a child in Germany and found stretchmarks on himself by the age of 10. By the time he was 18, He weighed more than 335 pounds and was bullied a lot. It was around that point that he had a major realization.“I started to lose a lot of weight because I didn’t want to die alone… I didn’t do any sports, so I figured the key was nutrition to lose weight, basically,” he said.Making Some Major ChangesIn an interview with Metro UK, Creekman explained that he had already tried several diets that didn’t work. This time was different, though. He found a friend who also wanted to lose weight, and together, slowly and steadily, they began a structured eating plan and exercise. Eventually, it worked.“I lost about 80 kilos in one year and suddenly I found myself in a new body, to take a second chance at life,” he told the publication.“A new form of willpower was born, to work really hard for everything I want to achieve in life, because I started to believe that everything is possible!”Things didn’t completely change though. Creekman was still insecure about his looks, particularly after his 180-pound transformation left him with loose skin. And, after two surgeries to remove it, he had scars.“I didn’t feel confident because of all those scars,” he continued. “I just wanted to take my shirt off without having to tell people about my story of losing weight.”A Brand New OutlookTo focus on the future and feel like the best version of himself, Creekman turned to tattoos. He felt they were the best way forward and a way to write a new story for himself.“To start a new life, I felt I needed to cover my scars and hide my past. To be free in my skin, without thinking about what other people could see or think about me, that is related to my past,” he explained.Creekman loved the way the tattoos looked and made him feel, so he continued covering himself with art. Eventually, insecurity became confidence.“More and more I feel to be that person I always try to look like,” he said. “My tattoos were the last puzzle piece to build strength, confidence and freedom in my skin.”These days, Creekman is covered in tattoos and has gained fame for his look. He has 1.5 million followers on Instagram, has acted, and is a musician. However, he’s also a social worker and spends his working hours helping refugees learn in German schools.“I believe that everything is achievable. You just need to find what you really want and who you really want to be in life,” he added. “Everything between you and your dream is just willpower and discipline.”Investing in OurselvesThis man’s story is inspiring because he went from one physical extreme to the other. It’s a heartwarming reminder that hard work, willpower, and discipline do pay off. But that’s applicable to all areas of life, not just our looks.Our weight doesn’t define us, but we also have the power to pursue change. We have the power to pursue that dream job, invest in powerful friendships, find a chosen family, or learn a hobby that makes our hearts happy.The most important lesson in this story is that we all need to take time to invest in ourselves. Life can get busy, sure, but we’ve all only got one life to live.More from Goalcast:Man Looks Unrecognizable After Losing Nearly 300 LBS in Remarkable Weight Loss Journey That He Credits to His Late Father How One Woman’s 150-Pound Weight Loss Journey Completely Changed Her Outlook on LifeAdele Has Always Been A Champion Of Self-Love, Both Before And After The Weight Loss

Woman Visits Her Parents at Retirement Community - Decides to Move in at 32 Years Old
Uplifting News

Woman Visits Her Parents at Retirement Community - Decides to Move in at 32 Years Old

We often hear the benefits of a retirement community for older people, who enjoy the social aspects of those kinds of living situations. But a 32-year-old woman is reminding everyone that all people can benefit from the structure and support of community — no matter how old or young you are.An Unexpected MoveIn 2021, a woman named Liz White visited her parents at a retirement community in Naples, Florida. Her retired parents spent their winters there, and White liked the building and community so much that when an apartment freed up in the same building, she decided to move in.According to CNBC, the average age of people living in that building at the time was 55 years old. Liz was by far the youngest. That first year, the customer success manager paid roughly $2,000 in monthly rent for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Later, when her landlord put the unit up for rent, White’s parents decided to buy it.Apartments in the area can go for up to $1 million, but White didn’t contribute financially. Instead, she lives in the apartment and takes care of it. When her parents are in town, they also stay with her.The young woman's biggest takeaway after moving in was how much she learned to interact with people on a daily basis and how good it's been for her.“When you live somewhere where you’re not around people, you can keep to yourself, and now, I have to be ready because I might have a conversation at any time,” White explained to CNBC. “It was an adjustment at first but it’s become a joy of my life.”Facing Hard TimesWhite’s parents had only owned the apartment for about three months when Hurricane Ian flooded it. It was a devastating and stressful time for the family, who had to decide whether to sell the unit or completely remodel it.In the end, they decided they liked the community too much and wanted to reconstruct it. It was a hard path since they’d lost pretty much everything, and it took almost a year to finish the massive project.It was during that time, however, that White realized the true power of her community. She rented from another neighbor during the remodel and recalls someone telling her that she would laugh at the situation one day.“I felt like it was the worst part of my life forever, but at the end of the day, I got through it,” she told CNBC. “It’s been really good to have that sense of community and have people to grow you with different perspectives in life. It’s also made me more open to meeting new people and not sweating the small stuff,” she continued.“Life is hopefully going to be long and there’s a lot of phases to it. If you’re going through one hard phase, it’s not going to be forever.”There’s No Place Like HomeLiving in the community, White added how she’d made friends of all ages, including people her own age, and has experienced many great adventures as a result. It just goes to show you that community is what we make it, and we get what we put in.While certain retirement communities have age restrictions, White’s story also serves as a powerful reminder that home is what you make it. You don’t necessarily need a fancy big house or solo living to be successful. Multigenerational living is also a successful way of life, especially when you consider the collective power of all that wisdom you gain by living with others.After all, Liz herself said it best: “I don’t just have to be friends with people who have lived the same kind of life I’ve lived.”More from Goalcast:Time to Do the “Crazy Things”: 77-Year-Old Throws a Big Wedding and Marries HerselfThese 55-Year-Old (Plus) Women Have Their Own Cheerleading Group – Proving Age Is Just Another Number93-Year-Old Sneaks Out of Retirement Home and Hitches a Ride With Stranger – All for His Girlfriend

Christian Bale Learns Something Shocking Following His Daughters Birth - This Inspires Him to Take Action
Uplifting News

Christian Bale Learns Something Shocking Following His Daughters Birth - This Inspires Him to Take Action

We often hear about actors’ high salaries and lavish lifestyles or follow them on social media as they hock brands and products they love. But celebrities can also give back in meaningful ways, using their money and platforms to inspire real change.That’s exactly what Batman, a.k.a. Christian Bale, decided to do with his privilege after he learned about the number of foster children living in California.A Big DreamFollowing the birth of his daughter Luka in 2005, Bale began to think about how her life would be affected if he and his wife, Sibi, weren’t around. It led him to learn more about the foster care system in California, and he was shocked to learn that the state has the largest number of foster kids in the country.Not only that, but Bale discovered that many siblings who go into the foster care system are forced to separate and are unable to grow up together. He and Sibi knew they wanted to create some good and inspire change, and learning about these circumstances inspired the couple.Bale decided to create a village where foster siblings could stay and grow up together.“Imagine the absolute pain and the trauma of losing your parents or being torn from your parents, and then losing your brothers and sisters on top of that. That’s no way to treat kids — and so, we will be the hub for that,” Bale told The Hollywood Reporter.A Plan in ActionBale decided to create this village 16 years ago, but crews finally broke ground on the location earlier this year. To get this far, Bale teamed with the non-profit Together California and found a location near McAdam Park in Palmdale, LA.“I had the very unrealistic idea that within one year I’d have created a miniature Sound of Music with kids singing on hills in an endlessly joyful environment,” Bale explained.“But I discovered no, it takes an awful long time and really well-motivated people. It’s complicated and tough to help kids,” he continued. “It should be a hell of a lot easier than it was, but I didn’t flinch for one second.”“I would have done it all if it was just me by myself here,” Bale added to The Associated Press. “It's way more complex. These are people's lives. And we need to be able to have them land on their feet when they age out. There's so much involved in this.”Once complete, the village will consist of 12 three-bedroom townhomes, each capable of housing six children. A full-time professionally trained foster parent will live in each one to offer care and support.There will also be a 7,000-square-foot community center for programs and services and studio apartments for family visits. The apartments will also serve as transitional housing for children who are aging out of foster care.“I hope that this village will be the first of many, and I hope that people, Californians and Angelenos, know to come join us in opening our eyes to what’s happening right under our noses,” Bale added to The Hollywood Reporter. “These are our children, and we must help our children.”Doing Our PartIt’s inspiring to hear about actors, sports stars, and other celebrities giving back, especially since they tend to have more money and followers who can make a big difference. However, their actions also remind us that anyone can — and should — give back when they can.Giving back doesn’t have to look like building a village for foster children. It can be volunteering at a center or with a cause that matters to you. Or, it can be even smaller acts, like donating extra food, making drop-offs at a local charity, or participating in a fundraiser.Or, if you are in a position to do more, consider fostering a child or getting involved. There are more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system who are in need of a loving parent, and plenty of organizations, like Foster America, that are committed to making a difference through education and volunteerism.No matter how you help out, giving back to the community enriches your life and allows you to connect with others in deep and meaningful ways.More from Goalcast:10-Year-Old Nobody Wanted to Adopt Is Sent to Live With Foster Family – This Would Completely Change Both Their Lives11-Year-Old Foster Girl Sent to Principal’s Office for Fighting – Little Did She Know What Was Going to Happen NextChristian Bale: Get More Satisfaction Out Of Your Work

Drunk Man Forgets His Sleepy Son on Subway - Students Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
Uplifting News

Drunk Man Forgets His Sleepy Son on Subway - Students Take Matters Into Their Own Hands

Most of us never know how we’d react in an emergency situation until we’re actually in one. It’s nice to think that we’d be cool, calm and collected if that moment ever comes, but sometimes the pressure is too much, or the situation is so unbelievable that we crumble.Thankfully, that was not the case for a group of university students in China, who sprang into action when they noticed a little boy asleep and by himself on the subway. A Call to ActionLast January, some students were traveling by subway in China’s Henan province when they noticed a little boy alone. The child was sleepy and could barely keep his eyes open, but he didn’t have a guardian nearby.In a video shared by South China Morning Post, the students tried to ask the boy where his father was, but he kept falling back asleep and laying his head on one of their arms.“Where am I?” the little boy asked at one point.“You’re in the subway, where is your dad?” one of the students responded.Instead of responding, the child just kept closing his eyes and laying his head down to rest.Finding the FatherAccording to witnesses in the subway, the little boy’s father had drunk too much and left his child in the carriage. So the boy had no clue where his father was and wasn’t able to convey much information to the students.Fortunately, the students stuck with the boy until they could find help. They continued asking him questions and trying to learn his father’s phone number before they were able to locate staff members.Eventually, the staff members were able to contact the father and reunite him with his son, and the video of the event went viral.“LOL, the kid is actually safer when he is with the university students than with his father,” one person commented. “These college students are really kind-hearted,” wrote another.A Little Kindness Goes a Long WayIt’s easy to judge the father in this situation or worry for the boy. While we don’t know what really happened that night on the subway that caused the father to leave his son behind, we do know that the kindness of others enabled them to safely reunite.That alone is a powerful message: anyone can make a big difference with just a little kindness. It’s a good takeaway for all of us the next time we see someone in distress or need. No one ever expects or wants to be in an emergency situation, but by setting your own day aside and doing what you can to help, you may be the hero someone unexpectedly needs.That’s true of everyday acts as well. Whether it’s sending a friend a nice text, bringing a coffee or tea to someone who could use a boost, or baking extra treats for a neighbor, random acts of kindness always seem to come at the right time. And who knows, to someone else, your kind act could be the thing that makes or breaks their day.More from Goalcast:Stranger Learns 70-Year-Old Is Raising Grandkids by Herself – Then a Familiar Man Shows Up at Her DoorstepTeacher Catches a Student Sleeping in Class – Instead of Punishing Her, He Lets Her Sleep for This ReasonStranger Spots Little Boy Sleeping Alone on the Ground in a Cemetery – The Reason Why Is Touching

Teacher Makes a Request to Man She Met in a Store - After She Passes Away, a Shocking Secret Comes Out
Uplifting News

Teacher Makes a Request to Man She Met in a Store - After She Passes Away, a Shocking Secret Comes Out

*Featured image contains photo by Melinda Gimpel on UnsplashWe often hear how important it is to save money and plan for the future. It’s a simple concept, but it can be incredibly difficult to do, especially when you consider bills and the overall cost of living. So it’s impressive to hear about someone who lived frugally and saved a lot.When you learn about someone who was able to save millions to make a difference in so many other people’s lives, though, that’s downright heartwarming.Cautious With MoneyGenevieve Via Cava lived a pretty frugal life. The special needs teacher rarely dined out or treated herself to things like the movies or trips. Instead, she took her paycheck every week and put aside most of her earnings. She didn’t even buy new clothes but chose instead to buy items second-hand or at a super-discounted price.Via Cava’s colleagues and friends knew how she lived, but they rarely considered what she did with her money. According to People, she clipped coupons, didn’t have any children, and was the type of person who didn’t want to fork over $4,000 on a hearing aid. In the end, it all meant she was actually able to save quite a bit.That didn’t come out until seven years after her death, though. Following Via Cava’s passing in 2011 at the age of 89, it took years to settle her estate. When the affairs were finally settled, her former colleagues were shocked: the woman left a million dollars to New Jersey’s Dumont School District.The interest that donation will receive going forward will be enough to fund two annual $25,000 scholarships in perpetuity, “making a huge impact in the lives of the kids she loved,” the district’s superintendent, Emanuele Triggiano, told the publication.A Generous HeartOver the years, Via Cava became good friends with a man named Richard Jablonski. They met at the clothing store he used to run, where he fondly recalled her shopping the “70 percent off” rack.Eventually, Via Cava asked Jablonski to be the executor of her will. Even he was surprised to learn the extent of her savings. He recalled her chastising him for taking his kids out for dinner when he could be saving those hard-earned dollars instead. He also highlighted how she really wanted to do some good with the money she saved.“When she told me seven years before she passed away that she had money and wanted me to handle her will, I was floored to learn how much she’d saved,” he said. “She’d call and say, ‘I want to leave $100,000 to the Salvation Army,’ and ‘I want to leave $100,000 each to county animal shelters,’ and ‘Let’s add a $100,000 donation to the hearing center.’ She certainly had a generous heart.”The friend explained that one day, while Via Cava was at the bank of all places, she doubled over in pain. The tellers called an ambulance, but she passed away pretty quickly from sepsis. Jablonski, who now lives in Via Cava's house, was still driving to come and see her when he got the call that she'd died.“Genevieve was very smart — she knew finances,” he added, “She’d be thrilled to hear that the interest alone from her $1 million gift to the school district will pay for a scholarship every year. She was a strict teacher, but she loved those kids. They meant the world to her. And now her legacy will live on forever.”Creating Our Own LegaciesNot all of us are great with money, and that’s okay. What’s so touching about this story is that it reminds us that money isn’t everything, and we don’t need new things or flashy items to make a difference. Sometimes, the best way to make a difference and create our own legacies is to commit to doing so.For this woman, it was saving her money so that one day she could donate it to causes that mattered to her. For others, it could be committing to coaching a community sports team, volunteering at a retirement center, or working at a non-profit. There are so many ways to make a difference in the world and to leave your mark. But the first step is always deciding that’s what you want to do.More from Goalcast:Devoted Father Builds $35-Million Theme Park for His Daughter With Special Needs — Allows Disabled People FREE AdmissionThai Monk Wins $500,000 Lottery—Decides To Spend The Money In The Most Meaningful WayStreet Musician Offers All His Money On-Hand to a Homeless Beggar — What the Homeless Man Does Next Is the Last Thing He’d Expect

Semi-truck Driver Dangles From Bridge - Hero Firefighter Immediately Springs Into Action
Uplifting News

Semi-truck Driver Dangles From Bridge - Hero Firefighter Immediately Springs Into Action

First responders are trained to help in all kinds of emergency situations, but that doesn’t mean they necessarily see all of those situations on the field. So when something scary and larger than life actually happens, they have to rely on their training and experience to potentially save a life.Thankfully, one firefighter did exactly that when he responded to a wild emergency situation one day above the Ohio River.A Harrowing AccidentEarlier this month, a semi-truck driver was heading over the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge on the Ohio River when another vehicle crossed into the wrong lane. The car struck the semi, which swerved through the guardrail and over the side. The driver got stuck in the cab, which was dangling from the bridge.When firefighters responded to the scene, they immediately sprang into action. According to the Louisville Fire Department's chief, Brian O’Neill, the driver was incredibly lucky not to wind up in the water.“If you look at the way that that semi-truck threaded the needle of those bridge stanchions, but then ended up getting wedged in there and not plowing through and ending up in the water is tremendously lucky,” he told GMA.“She was you know, scared,” firefighter Bryce Carden added about the driver.A Heroic RescueTo save the unnamed driver, Carden had to rappel down the side of the bridge. He then hooked the woman into his harness and slowly hoisted her back up. The entire operation took about 40 minutes, which must have been terrifying for that driver.“Finally, when she realized she was safe and she was going to live, she was overcome with emotions as anybody would be,” Carden said.The woman was understandably shaken and wanted to heal in private, which is why authorities didn’t release her name. Two other people involved in the crash were seriously injured, but it appears as though this driver will be okay.As for Carden, people are hailing him as a hero.“I’ve played a very small piece in a large puzzle,” Carden said. “I contribute all of the success of it to the guys topside and the guys on the bottom who helped make it happen.”Thanking a First ResponderStories like these remind us that emergency responders face all kinds of circumstances and situations, and they’re willing to risk their own lives to help ours. Sure, this story made headlines because it’s not every day that you see a truck dangling from a bridge or a firefighter rappelling to save someone.However, there are plenty of everyday situations in which first responders put themselves in harm’s way to help someone else. This story is just a nice reminder for us to thank them for their service. That can be a simple “Thanks for your service” when you come across an ambulance driver, firefighter, or police officer in your daily life. It can also be a handwritten card or note.Either way, these men and women work to keep our communities safe, and gratitude always goes a long way. More from Goalcast:Firefighter Tragically Kills Pastor’s Pregnant Wife – Instead of Getting Revenge, the Widower Befriends HimFirefighter Delivers Baby Then Learns Her Mom Can’t Keep Her – So He Adopts Her and Gives Her a HomeYoung Boy Runs His Bike Into a Car and Dents It by Accident — The Driver Gets Out and Does the Unthinkable

Legally Blind Student Dreams of Becoming a Veterinarian - Defies Odds and Gets Accepted Into University
Uplifting News

Legally Blind Student Dreams of Becoming a Veterinarian - Defies Odds and Gets Accepted Into University

Dreams are important, but they can also be complicated. Even if we’ve discovered our dreams and are taking steps to make them a reality, there are plenty of obstacles that can get in the way.Sometimes, those obstacles are a matter of circumstance, like financial reasons, proximity, or talent. But it’s important to remember that we’re not all born with the same deck of cards in life. Some people have physical, mental, or emotional circumstances they also have to navigate.Realizing your dreams is possible though, as this heartwarming story proves.An Aspiring VetFaith Snapp is a legally blind 22-year-old who grew up in Texas dreaming of becoming a veterinarian. “My entire life, my family has raised horses and goats for as long as I can remember,” she explained to Fox News. “I always loved animals.”However, Snapp and her twin brother were born prematurely and with very limited vision. Today, Snapp can only detect motion with her right eye, while her left eye can make out shapes, colors, and large prints. The publication reports that she’s always had trouble seeing far distances and has less than 10% field vision.As a result, Snapp has had a guide dog since high school. Still, she never let her sight impairment stop her from pursuing her love of animals. She joined several clubs in high school and worked at local animal clinics.“I just needed to find the people and the accommodations and the places that would be willing to help me,” she explained.“That was a little bit challenging because I think oftentimes people place limitations on somebody with a disability because they assume that they are limited. But in my mind, the only limitation I have is if I think I can't do it.”Realizing Her DreamIt may have been challenging to find others who could help Snapp on her journey, but in the end, she never gave up and found the support she needed. Earlier this year all of Snapp’s hard work and commitment paid off when she was accepted into the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine."His plan is far greater than mine and I am so thankful to have an opportunity like this to continue to grow and love others along my journey!" Snapp wrote in a Facebook post. "I also want to thank my family and friends who have supported me and pushed me to work hard to chase my dreams."Snapp begins her classes in August and hopes that through them, she can continue on her path to becoming a mixed-animal veterinarian. In that role, she would be able to work with both large and small animals.“No matter who you are or what your circumstances… anything is possible,” she said. “I just hope my story can help others realize that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”Follow Your DreamsOne of the hardest things in life can be finding your purpose or realizing what it is you want to do with your life. That’s why, when you do find your dream, you should pursue it. After all, this is your life and you get to choose how you live it.That doesn’t mean following your dream will be easy, but as Snapp’s story proves, it is possible. Make a plan, figure out which obstacles you may need to overcome, and surround yourself with people who will support you on your journey.While you’re at it, do your best to support other people on their dream fulfillment quests. After all, we only get one shot at this thing called life, so why not lift each other up and help one another find purpose, too?More from Goalcast:Poor 84-Year-Old Street Vendor Has Had One Dream for Decades – Wakes Up at 4:30 A.M Every Day to Fulfill ItUber Driver Confesses Her Biggest Dream To Passengers – Their Reaction Takes Her By SurpriseAfter Finding Out She Might Die, She Lost 170 Pounds And Went After Her Dream