A few weeks ago, something remarkable happened on the campus of the University of Texas. My daughter, Bella, was sitting alone when a young man approached her, saying he had just failed a class and was having a tough day. Bella did what she has done her whole life — she listened. She offered empathy, a little encouragement, and even her gummy bears and corn nuts, hoping to lift his spirits.

What she didn’t know was that the “struggling student” was Zach, an influencer known for traveling the world performing random acts of kindness. And in an instant that left our family stunned, he revealed his real purpose:

He wasn’t there for support.
He was there to give it.

Through the generosity of Dell, Bella was gifted a new laptop, a monitor, headphones, and — in one breathtaking moment — her entire tuition.

As a parent, witnessing that kind of kindness extended to your child is beyond words. It feels like a prayer being answered in real time.

What made it even more meaningful is that kindness has always been part of Bella’s life. When she was younger, she left flowers on neighbors’ doorsteps, bought coffee for strangers, and tucked books in hidden corners so someone who needed a little magic might find them. And years earlier, on a bike ride with my kids, we created The Secret Blue Butterfly, yes-and’ing the name together until it felt alive.

Our mission was simple: inspire small acts of kindness and let them ripple out into the world.

We never imagined that someday one of those ripples would return directly to our daughter.

But that’s the beauty of kindness — it travels. It circles. It remembers.

What happened at UT wasn’t just a surprise; it was a reminder that what we give doesn’t disappear. It finds its way forward, and sometimes, back home.

Keep giving.
Keep lifting others.
Keep believing in the quiet power of kindness.

You never know when the universe will whisper,
“I remember you.”

The Ultimate Secret Blue Butterfly ,

December 7, 2025

SB2—University of Texas at Austin