Rhami Zeini was on his way home from school in Santa Barbara, California, when he noticed a purse on the ground.
The 16-year-old picked it up to see if he could find out some contact information of the owner. He couldn't find any phone numbers, but he did find more money than he'd ever seen in his life: $10,000.
He did the right thing
Now Zeini had a choice to make. Should he take the cash home or bring it to the police to see if they can locate the owner? He chose the latter and has no regrets.
“To me, I figured this is the right thing to do, if I take it and find whoever’s purse it was, because if the roles were reversed and I had lost something with a significant sum of money inside, I know I would want it back for sure," Zeini told KEYT.
The Sheriff's department was thrilled by Zeini's decision, telling KEYT that they'd never seen someone turn in a lost purse with this much cash in it.
I feel if everyone did the right thing, the world would be a better place.
Rhami Zeini
A $100 reward
Police managed to find the owner of the purse, who had accidently left it on the hood of her car.
According to police, the purse's owner was very grateful and gave Zeini a $100 reward for his good deed.
"It just makes you feel good about humanity and that there are people out there who'd do the right thing," said Kelly Hoover of the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department.
Be honest
We live in a world where we're encouraged to do anything for a quick buck. But this dog-eat-dog can turn our communities into horrible places to live.
We have to remember to be kind and honest, as this teenager was, to build a trustworthy community for all. Because as he says, if we'd lost our purse or wallet, we'd want someone to return it.
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- “It’s My Turn to Take Care of You Now” – Single Mom Breaks Down After Son Surprises Her With Incredible Gift
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- Cop Pulls Downcast Teen Over For Speeding – Has The Best Response When He Hears His Story
