Jhaqueil Reagan of Indianapolis, Indiana, was walking down the street on his way to interview for a minimum wage job. He happened to cross paths with Art Bouvier, who was laying rock salt on the ground outside his restaurant, Papa Roux, after an ice storm had hit the area earlier in the morning.
Bouvier said the 18-year-old approached him and asked how far it was to 10th and Sherman. Bouvier said the distance was at least six or seven miles, so he told Reagan that he would be better off taking a bus instead of walking, especially considering the freezing temperature. Reagan said "thank you" and kept on his way to the job interview.
Later, Bouvier and his wife were driving to grab coffee, and they came across Reagan again--still walking, so they offered him a ride. Reagan shared with the couple that he was on his way to a thrift shop to interview for a job, and he did not have money for bus fare. Reagan also shared that his mother had passed away and he was left to care for his two younger siblings. After his mom died a couple of years ago, he ended up dropping out of high school and obtaining his GED.
After hearing the teen's story, Bouvier told Reagan that even if he was offered the thrift shop job, he would hire him and double his salary. Bouvier was impressed with the teen's ambition and work ethic. Reagan accepted the job, and his first day was Monday. He cannot believe how everything turned out for him saying, "My heart’s just racing right now. I’m just too excited, just excited to start."
Bouvier wanted to share the encounter with his friends, so he wrote about it on Facebook. The story is going viral, with more than 15,000 likes so far. People are applauding the teen's work ethic and Bouvier's generosity.
One person wrote, "you are a blessing from above, and some good will come to you." Another added, "so kindness does exist? Warms my heart!"
In addition, IndyGo, the local public transportation system, gave Reagan a free one-year pass.
[Related: Top 10 Mistakes People Make in Job Interviews]
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