Gen Z Looks at America: Being a Little Light in Someone Else's Life

This episode invites Wendy, a post-00s generation who grew up in the United States, to share her perspective on Americans' passion for charitable acts. Influenced by her parents since childhood, she actively participates in community service, such as accompanying the elderly in nursing homes and building a deep friendship with Martin, a partner with autism. She believes that charity doesn't have to be grand events, but is reflected in everyday small actions like rounding up donations at supermarkets or the "pay it forward" custom at coffee shops. The video also introduces mature U.S. charitable systems such as charity runs and food banks, introducing the English phrase "Pay it forward" to encourage everyone to pass kindness along.

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When I was little, there was a tradition in my family. Every Christmas, my sisters and I would help my dad do one thing: shave his head. He didn't do this for shorts, but to raise money for a childhood cancer foundation.

Hello everyone, welcome to Zhenji Looks at America. I am Wendy, a post-00s generation who grew up in the U.S. Today let's talk about a lifestyle that Americans are very passionate about.

Because I saw my parents doing these kind acts since I was little, it encouraged me to be just like them when I grew up.

In high school, every weekend I would go to a nursing home to volunteer. This is the nursing home where I did community service every week. We would keep the elderly company, listen to them tell stories, and paint their nails.

In this nursing home, I met Sue. I was sixteen that year, and she was eighty-five. Sue often took me to her room, opened up yellowed photo albums, and shared the romantic stories of her and her late husband traveling the world together. She would even give me advice on dating problems just like a best friend. I looked forward to seeing her every weekend.

And then one day I walked in and asked, oh, where is Sue? And they said she had passed away. Sue's departure taught me a very important lesson in life. That was the first time the young me faced death. I was sad for a long time, and didn't even dare to step foot into her room again. But I hope to pass on the warmth that Sue brought me to more people.

This is my high school. I participated in the Best Buddies organization at school. It pairs general education students with students who have developmental disabilities in one-on-one friendships. My buddy's name is Martin. He is a boy with autism. I introduced him to all my friends. He looked forward to coming to lunch every day. Even if he had already eaten, or didn't want to eat, he was very happy just sitting with us. We would share trivial things about our lives and go out for ice cream after school. On Friday nights, he would join us to watch football games.

Their teachers would tell them that if there is someone who means something to you, you can write them a letter and give it to them. It was around Valentine's Day. "Dear Kennedy, thank you for letting me sit with you and your friends every day. Although you might be in a bit of pain or having a hard time during class, I think you are the best and most beautiful girl." When he gave it to me, he was very shy; he was afraid that I would laugh at him or something. He gave it to me, and all my friends were envious of me, and they all thought, "Ah, Martin, why didn't I get one?" I thought it was very cute, and I felt very special.

At that time, I didn't really understand what public welfare was; I just remembered one very simple thing: someone had more smiles on their face today because of your smile.

Growing up, I still don't think doing charity necessarily means donating a lot of money or doing something earth-shattering. Often, it's just some very small moments.

When checking out at a supermarket, a question often pops up on the screen: would you like to round up the amount, which means donating the change to a charity organization? I personally think many Americans choose to press YES. Although it's just one or two dollars, it adds up.

Let's go. Hi, can I have a small cold drink? No, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Have you ever encountered this situation? You order a coffee at a drive-thru, and just as you are about to pay, the clerk suddenly says that the car in front has already paid for you. I have experienced this a few times. At first, I felt a bit stunned, and sometimes before I could think too much, I blurted out, "Then I'll pay for the car behind me too." Isn't it magical? A simple act like buying coffee turns into a ritual of passing on kindness.

In the United States, this kind of small kindness between people is actually very common. On weekends, many American towns hold charity runs. Some raise money for cancer research, some support animal protection, and others help veterans or children's education. I have participated in a few of these charity runs; it's not for the results, I just really like sweating while feeling that I am contributing a little bit to this world.

In addition to the good deeds of ordinary people, the United States also has a very mature public welfare system. Food banks help the poor solve food shortages. The Humane Society protects animals and reduces abuse.

This year, places across the United States are celebrating the 249th anniversary of the founding of the country. I want to share these stories with you because this is a very moving American spirit in my eyes. Everyone can become a little light in someone else's life.

Kennedy's English Classroom. Today we are going to learn the English phrase "Pay it forward." "Pay" means to pay money, and "forward" means moving ahead. The meaning of this phrase is not to pay in advance, but when someone helps you, you don't have to repay that person, but instead help another stranger, passing the kindness on. Pay it forward.

Finally, don't forget to leave a comment and tell me if you've done any small acts of kindness recently. I am Wendy, see you next time, bye-bye.