Here to Help

Earlier this week, a new food spot opened up at Union Station, so I decided to check it out after school.

Heading in that direction, I saw a man sitting at a lunch table, so I stopped to say hello.

His name was Cherif, and he was just on a work break at the restaurant he manages.

Cherif told me that he was originally from Senegal, where a lot of his family lives and where he often visits (such as this past December.

Although most of our conversation was in English, I asked if he spoke French too, since I knew that many Senegalese people speak it.

Cherif was a bit surprised to hear that I spoke it, but when I explained that my mom’s family is French, he quickly understood.

According to him, there were plenty of fun things to do in Senegal for the New Year, but he preferred to keep things more laid back.

He did mention that it was his birthday, though, so I wished him a happy birthday!

Meet Cherif

What brings him joy?

Everyone has their own source of joy, and Cherif explained that his source is helping people in need.

When he wakes up in the morning, Cherif likes to ask what good deeds he can do for someone else, instead of the other way around.

He always remembers to be grateful that he has food to eat and a place to sleep, since that’s not a given for many people.

At the same time, he knows that he has the ability to help prevent that problem, so he finds joy in being able to help others even in the smallest of ways.

Even if it’s a simple gesture of kindness, Cherif knows it can go a long way, and I appreciated the reminder of that.