From 'Lower Manhattan' to the Presidential Office

The Facebook page of the U.S. State Department narrates the story of Vidal, an American teenager who traveled from Brownsville, Brooklyn, to meet with President Barack Obama. The operator of the 'Humans of New York' page, which currently has over 12 million followers, said: 'I asked Vidal who has had the most influence in his life?' and he simply replied: 'My school principal, Ms. Lopez. Because Ms. Lopez taught us that we matter and we are valuable.' Vidal explained that whenever he and his classmates misbehaved, Ms. Lopez did not punish or scold them. Instead, she would bring them to her office and explain how the community around them was built, and that every time a teenager is expelled from school and does not return, it means a new cell is built in prison. One day, Ms. Lopez told all the students to stand and told each of them that their lives matter. Perhaps Vidal's innocent face and sincerity, along with Ms. Lopez's tireless efforts and the power of a tool like Facebook in amplifying human voices, led to generous individuals from across America coming together to raise over $1 million in a grassroots campaign to help Vidal's school. ABC News produced a report about this inspiring human story, and soon after, Vidal, Ms. Lopez, and the operator of the 'Humans of New York' page were invited to the White House to have a conversation with President Obama. President Obama, while appreciating Ms. Lopez, told Vidal that everyone needs the support of others and that a young person like Vidal should not be ashamed or afraid to receive encouragement or guidance from others. President Obama told Vidal that there are many people who want to help and guide those who wish to walk the right path, and Vidal and other teenagers should always be willing to listen, not think they know everything, and be ready to seek help.