Do not judge a book by its cover!

I leave my university accommodation to go for grocery shopping also to call my parents in Iran. I feel cold. It's just finished raining. To get to the phone booth, I pass some loud teenage boys, a lady who's carrying a big shopping bag, a homeless man sitting on the floor and a coffee shop full of people. I take out my international call voucher which says, credit $30 expiry 31/10/2006. I start dialling the number while hearing a street performer playing a happy song. "Hello! Hello!" my mum answers the call. "Hey, Mum! It's me." Broken by many issues I was dealing with, I just replied to my mum's words with "Uhum!" and "Sure". "You're OK, Morteza?" mum asks. Feeling so overwhelmed by my new life in a strange land to which I couldn't connect, I said: "I wanna come back home! It's enough." and my voice trembled with emotion. There's a long pause. Mum tries to comfort me, reminding me of why I started this journey in the first place. Not wanting to continue the conversation I said "Thanks, mum. I've got to go." "OK, my son. Remember, stay strong! It'll be all right." and we finish the call.

I open my eyes realising that I've been crying for the last five minutes with my head on the phone. Luckily nobody was awaiting me to finish my call. I look around. Some people are looking at me. I turn around to walk away and calm myself down when I face a poorly dressed, long-bearded man. "How are you, brother?" he asks. Quickly realising that it's the same homeless man I saw earlier, I automatically check to make sure that my wallet and credit cards are safe. "Where are you from, brother?" he asks with a big smile. "Iran?" I answer. He opens his arms "I saw you crying. It'll be OK. Don't worry, brother. Can I hug you?" "Sure. Thanks!" trying not to cry anymore. Feeling obliged, I ask "Can I help you? Is there anything I can do for you? Sorry! I only have 5 dollars." He gives that same big smile again "No, brother. Just look after yourself and stay safe."

On that day and in those moments, I desperately needed a hug, a kind gesture and someone who cared about me and my feelings. It happened to be a homeless man, whom I never saw again! As you can see, however, his memories stay with me for good.

Reflection!

We meet people every day, and on many occasions, we judge them by our superficial criteria—a tie, a nice suit, a large sophisticated watch and, the shiny leather shoes.

Well! On that day, none of such people approached me but an opposite person, who knew what pain means and how it impacts another lonely human being.

Some of the most incredible people I met never met the criteria I consider for 'greatness'. My conclusion is to change the meaning of Greatness to something deeper and more meaningful.

Great people care about you, help you become better, see you as a human being who might not even benefit them. They are kind!

Be great!