As a writing teacher and a Buddhist, when I have extra money, I buy books for my students because I believe generosity matters. In Buddhism, generosity without expecting anything in return is called Dana. I love practicing Dana because it reminds me that small acts of kindness matter. And honestly, there are worse things a teacher can create than a room full of readers.

 

By Louis De Lauro

As a Buddhist, I often think about Dana, the practice of generosity without expecting anything in return.

We tend to imagine generosity as something grand, but most of the meaningful acts in my life have been small. A kind word. A listening ear. A book placed in the hands of someone who needs it.

For the past several years, I have taught writing at a therapeutic middle school in New Jersey. My students have taught me as much about resilience, compassion, and hope as I have ever taught them about reading and writing. As my time at this school comes to an end, I was hit by the need to do something nice for my students.

What follows is a letter I wrote to my students at the end of the school year.

A Letter to My Students

Dear Students,

If I did not buy you a book this year, I need to buy you one soon. Not because I want to, but because I need to. As I get older, I find myself keeping track of how much good I can still do. Buying you a book is symbolic of my life’s mission.

As a writing teacher and a Buddhist, when I have extra money, I buy books for my students because I believe generosity matters. In Buddhism, generosity without expecting anything in return is called Dana. I love practicing Dana because it reminds me that small acts of kindness matter. And honestly, there are worse things a teacher can create than a room full of readers.

It all started 35 years ago when I bought books for my first class in Trenton. Then I left to teach in another school.

Here is a short list of some of the books I have purchased this year for all of you:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Twice by Mitch Albom
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

One student this year recently requested Shiloh. When I suggested that it might be a book for younger readers, the student smiled and said, “When I was younger, Shiloh was my favorite book. I want to own Shiloh.”

I smiled and replied, “I am buying you Shiloh.”

I believe books bring joy and reduce suffering. Books can help people feel understood, inspired, less alone, or simply entertained on a rainy day. Books open minds, create opportunities, and sometimes change lives in ways nobody sees coming.

I also believe in planting seeds. A book handed to a student today might become a meaningful memory years from now or inspire a student to share their own story one day.

Mostly, though, I buy books because compassion matters. I care deeply about doing kind things, and after all these years teaching writing, I still believe stories can enlighten minds and brighten the world.

I also want you to know how much this school has meant to me. I have loved teaching middle school here. You are amazing readers, writers, and young people. Every day, you remind me why I became a teacher. I have also been lucky to work alongside incredible teachers, support staff, and administrators who care deeply about students. Some days have been challenging, but this school has always been a place where staff gives their best for their students.

I am leaving all of you in August, but I hope you keep the book I give you for years to come.

Or maybe you will practice Dana and give it away.
Either would be awesome.

Sincerely,
Mr. De Lauro

 

Photo: Pixabay

Editor: Dana Gornall

 

Were you inspired by this? You may also like:

Selfless Giving: The Gift of Dana this Holiday Season (I Love That About You)

The Lighthouse: What to do When Your Compassion Isn’t Welcome

 

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