Every time I come home from school to see family or go to work, I always look forward to hearing stories about the students that brighten my mom’s day at Muhlenberg College. From the Saras, Annas, Michaels, Scotts and so many more (trust me, Awa listed a lot), I've heard great things about all of you. I am Awa’s youngest daughter, Aida. And I, too want to thank you all for the kindness and open-hearted warmth you've all shown my mom. I've heard endless stories of gratitude, love and simple friendly hellos that you've all shown her. The way she talks about the people she encounters at Muhlenberg College, you can tell she considers you all family. From what I've heard you have all shown your care for her I return in so many different ways, but Jake Gordon may have started something that truly made the appreciation apparent.

For those of you who don't know what I'm eluding to, let me start at the beginning. My mom, Awa, has been working with Muhlenberg College in varying dining areas for the past 10 years. Ever since she's started, she's told me about these students that love when she remembers their name so she started writing some names down to remember them better and remember more. As she moved to different dining areas, more students started recognizing her and saying special hellos. To this day I see the sparkle in her eye and comfort in her smile when she talks about her Muhlenberg family. She's given words of encouragement and tough love at the right times and even though I don't see it much, I can feel the gratitude transfer through her when she comes home. She's said, “It’s my job” and “I love them too.” Never in her wildest imaginations did she think the students had to do any more than smile when coming through to show their appreciation.

What happens next will shock you.

Jake Godon, a student at Muhlenberg came up to Awa one day, asking about how she would spend her vacation. They talk about her going back home to Senegal in west Africa, how expensive it is and how hard she was working to save for a trip. Any day Awa would be happy for the conversation and go on to smile and swipe in the next student. However, Jake started entertaining the idea to help Awa get to her goal of visiting home. He must've been thinking about all the students Awa has helped and how they could all truly show their gratification in a big way.

I don't know all the details of the story, but Jake and his girlfriend, Shira Weiss, began an astonishing effort to fundraise for Awa, my mom. I heard about the details bit by bit, but I couldn't believe what was happening. As the fraternity Alpha Tau Omega got involved in the fundraising, the idea became a concrete plan and Jake was truly following through on his promise. I heard there was even a bowling event held to raise money! Teachers, coaches, sororities and alumni were all involved in the efforts.

I remember talking to my mom when she started to find out what Jake had been planning and I joked with her about the possibilities. I teased her asking “What if they raise $10,000? What would you even do with all that?”

I had no idea how many people cared for my mom like. Her eyes were wide when I was merely joking about such a large amount. I can't begin to imagine her reaction when Jake walked up with a check for that exact amount. $10,000. This community my mom had around her had done so much for her. Awa came to work and smiled while saying hello, expecting nothing more than a smile back. You've all gotten to know my mom for who she is inside well enough to care to accomplish such an unimaginable thing. Even after the goal was reached, alumni that had just heard about it were still calling, trying to donate.

I sit here, think of all the names my mom has mentioned at home with that smile across her face and how much they mean to her. It's clear how much she means to you all and I greatly appreciate that. Seeing the Facebook posts transcribed by Shira was overwhelming and humbling. I was so glad so many saw that light in my mom that she's inherited from life, our culture and of course her late mother.

Now that I've gushed and almost cried thinking and trying to write about all of you, I thought I'd write something for my mom.

Awa’s Thank You:

To everyone she encounters on a daily basis.

To the coworkers and management that are there supporting her so she's able and willing to do her job.

To the struggling students during finals week.

To the parents that only visit, but already know who she is.

To the coaches and alumni.

To anyone that's ever shared not only a dollar but also a smile and a “Thank you, Awa.”

My mom wants you all to know you've gone above and beyond. She has not stopped praising everyone from Muhlenberg and the kindness you've all shown her. She's often speechless when thinking of this gesture of love and appreciation. All she can sincerely say is thank you. Awa thanks you from the bottom of her smiling heart. She looks forward to seeing you all each day with such great spirits. She sees everything she's done as just part of her job and could've never imagined this happening to her.

“Thank you…thank you all.” - Awa