By Sheyla Ornelas

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” –Gandhi. Many of us have heard this quote before. It is significant in that it encourages individuals to create the change they wish to see by acting accordingly. The “Act of Kindness” contest held a couple of months ago served the same message.

This particular story belongs to Alberto Chavez, a 16-year-old student attending Garey High School who participated and was selected a winner in the contest. Alberto was unable to attend the Ring Ceremony game and was invited back by Sasha.

Alberto’s story is not uncommon, but it is his attitude on life that makes his story one of a kind and quite remarkable.

Alberto Chavez, has had an upbringing that has forced him to mature quickly. At age 6, when most kids are simply being kids, he lost both of his parents. His parents were both alcoholics and in the end, his mother passed away from cancer and his dad from a heart attack. Alberto reflects back to that age; he remembers when the cord was pulled on his mother and waking up in bed to realize his dad laid deceased next to him. As if that was not enough hardship for a child to endure, Alberto was forced to move to his brother’s house where his sister-in-law physically beat him.

“He’s a fighter yet he has the noblest heart.” Alberto’s sister Angelica Velasquez said, “He is the type of person who will take his shirt off his back to help someone else in need.” Alberto now lives with Angelica who also has legal custody over him.

For those who have not had a chance to read the contestant’s essays, Alberto’s essay was selected for his involvement in the community. He is engaged in several clubs and organizations, which allow him to perform several selfless acts daily. In particular, Alberto reaches out to children hoping to engrain a positive image on them about the significance of education.

A few weeks after the Ring Ceremony game, I visited Alberto at Garey High School located in Pomona, California. I handed him a gift from Sasha that included: pictures of the event he missed, a personalized signed T-shirt, and a video including a direct message from Sasha. Alberto was very grateful when receiving the gifts and I knew he had no idea about the opportunity to attend an upcoming Lakers game, which Sasha would later offer him. I was curious to know why Alberto missed the game, I asked him and he informed me he had arranged a ride with other contest winners but to my surprise on the day of the event they left him. No explanation given or an apology that followed but Alberto seemed very at peace even when telling the story.

“Even though it happened to me, I don’t wish that upon anyone”, he said. He quickly added, “I believe everything happens for a reason” and he ended his statement with a smile. Mind you, he was still not aware of the ticket that would later be given to him.

On the day of the game, I met with Alberto and showed him to his seat. Like a kid at an amusement park, Alberto was overwhelmed with emotion. He began telling me how he planned on giving Sasha a guitar pick as a gift. The pick was a replica from the movie “Tenacious D” starring Jack Black. The pick symbolized power, and anyone who acquired it had the power of becoming a rock star. Coincidentally, Jack Black was present at the game. Alberto pulled the pick out of his pocket and wrote on the backside, “It’s in your hands. –Albert”. When asked what he meant by those words he said the following:

At the end of the game Sasha greeted Alberto with a pair of shoes signed by him along with a wristband. Both of them conversed about movies, music, the guitar pick, and other interest that they each enjoyed. Sasha’s message to Albert was “Dreams do come true” and asked him to hold onto his dream of becoming a jet pilot.

Antonio Gamboa teaches AP Biology at Garey High School and is also Alberto’s teacher. He had the following to say about him: “Alberto is a student who has been deeply motivated by Sasha Vujacic. Before Alberto sent his essay to the competition, he was no more than any average high school student. His unique experience with the Lakers has made him realize that there is a better future for him. He participates more in class, he ask questions more often and he is more confident. On campus his smile is an obvious asset and he is proud to share his experience. His attitude is a positive influence to his peers. Thank you for reaching out to students like Alberto. Your efforts build a sense of pride and hope for a better tomorrow for all students.” These words can give the sense that this story has already become a success.

Looking back, Alberto was correct. Everything does happen for a reason. Perhaps it was fate that Albert missed the game because if he did not he would not have experienced the game to the degree that he did. Unlike the film “Tenacious D”, a person does not need to physically hold a guitar pick to realize his or her potential. Each one of us carries tremendous amount of power-power to change and inspire, it is up to each individual to put it into perspective and decide the best way he or she will use it. I will end with Alberto’s words in regards to meeting Sasha, “Expect the best, and Sasha exceeds all your expectations. He is kind and humble and you get this sense of trustworthiness. Having a guard up most of my life, Sasha is embracing and very welcoming. Thank you, Sasha.”