A little among neighbors is worth more than riches in a wilderness. – Welsh Proverb
Sometimes, the most profound moments of healing stem from the most unexpected acts of kindness.
The moment that shaped my healing journey came from a neighbor, Mrs. Connelly. Mrs. Connelly gave me not only her kindness, but her time, patience, and understanding during a time when I needed it the most. This kindness didn’t just help me with a class I was struggling in at college. Rather, it gave me hope during my struggle of not only being newly diagnosed with depression, but having to take medical leave (and feeling like a failure). Mrs. Connelly’s caring nature continues to shape my journey today as I embrace a new role with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
I was diagnosed with depression in the spring of 2022 and had to take medical leave from college. My life felt like it had come to a complete halt for the first time ever. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, trying to navigate a brand new diagnosis and the new world that came with it. Even the littlest of tasks felt overwhelming, and the thought of finishing out my classes from home — even though I was so close to the end — felt impossible. For the first time, I was facing the possibility of academic failure, and that alone felt suffocating.
At the time, I was enrolled in a biography class. The class was always challenging, but it became even more so when I was tasked with creating a video diary that told the life story of someone close to me. I chose to tell the story of my immigrant grandfather—a selfless neuroradiologist and philanthropist whose journey from China to the United States with nothing but six dollars in his pocket shaped my family’s history.
The project required me to use video editing software, a program I had never seen before. I was struggling just to get out of bed each day, and the thought of tackling something so technical was overwhelming. My mind was clouded by depression, and I felt like this was an impossible task.
At this point, Mrs. Connelly—one of my mother’s friends who had always cared deeply for me and my sister—offered to help me learn how to use the software, and to this day, I don’t think she realizes the lasting impact this had on me. What followed was a time in my life that I’ll never forget. Despite her busy schedule raising her own children, Mrs. Connelly carved out time to teach me the basics of the software. Her approach was gentle—never rushed or judgmental. What struck me more than her intelligence was the empathy she showed. She could see that this project wasn’t just about academics for me. It symbolized everything I was struggling to regain: confidence, self-esteem, and more.
As we worked together, Mrs. Connelly offered me emotional support, too. I never once shared even a snippet of my story—but when I was ready, she was one of my greatest supporters. Her unwavering support made me feel seen and heard during the worst time of my life.
Mrs. Connelly’s kindness in those moments wasn’t just about helping me with a project—it was about showing me that people cared, that I was not alone, and that there was hope for recovery. When I think back to that time, I realize that her generosity was a pure lesson in the importance of having not only passion for one’s work, but intelligence in recognizing someone else’s struggle, and a pure heart in one’s soul.
Three years later, I’m in a much different place. I’m proud to say that I’m now serving as a NAMI Next Gen Advisor, advocating for mental health awareness. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned so much about the importance of having good people in your corner.
Just today, Mrs. Connelly sent me a bouquet of flowers. Along with the flowers, she left a note that said that I was passionate, intelligent, and of pure heart. Her words left me more than speechless. In that moment, I was reminded of how Mrs. Connelly’s support shaped my recovery. She had been there for me at my lowest, and now, at my highest, her kindness continues to be there.
We often underestimate the power of kindness, especially during deep battles such as my own. But kindness, especially those small moments, makes all the difference in the world. Mrs. Connelly’s actions reminded me that kindness and pure hearts change the world. I am truly lucky to have met Mrs. Connelly, and through my work with NAMI Next Gen, I aim to make sure everyone struggling with their mental health has a Mrs. Connelly in their life.
