Find Joy in Whatever You Do

A 60-year-old school janitor had only been in the job for about four months when the teachers organised a GoFundMe campaign to help him finance a proper way of getting to work. He had been commuting for about four hours a day, taking three buses and walking about two miles to and from work.

Even so, he did his job to an ultra-high standard, impressing both the students and teachers with his willingness to do whatever was necessary, and more, to keep the school clean and safe for everyone in it. He didn’t see it as hard work, though it could indeed be a very physical job. He saw it as a privilege to do it. “No job is too big or too small,” he said. “I wanna make a safe, clean, sanitized environment for the students, the guests”. How many of us do our jobs so eagerly, and after having to struggle to get to work at all?

The GoFundMe campaign was certainly successful; it raised over $7,000 in less than 24 hours. That was enough to ensure Mr Reed wouldn’t need to take the bus much longer! By the time the campaign ended, it had raised almost $50,000, a tribute to the man who works so hard for the kids, and who always has a smile on his face. “It’s a blessing to do the job,” he said. I love these people up here. I love them. I couldn’t have made it without them. Yes, it’s a joy to work here. Joy. Pure joy”.

An inspirational member of staff

Mr Reed is an inspiration to us all. He’s certainly an inspiration to the kids at Farmington Elementary School, where he works. Elizabeth Malone, the fund’s organiser, said “His work ethic is unbelievable, and we want our kids to pick up on that”. And, referring to the GoFundMe campaign, she said “We just want to model to our kids that when you see a need, you should reach out and help them”.

Many of us tend to think of janitors and kitchen staff as somehow lower than the teaching staff, but this kind of incident drives home the truth; everyone who works at a school, in whatever capacity, has a responsibility to inspire the students and to set an example. And for those who are more attuned to the work, they find joy in it, and in being a living example and role model.

It’s heartwarming to see Mr. Reed’s efforts being recognised and rewarded. And it’s wonderful that so many people, most of whom have never met him or even heard of him before, contributed to giving him a gift that will not only change his life, but will serve to demonstrate to him that he is a much loved and valued member of staff.