At a glance, Jim Hannon may seem like a mean old janitor. Aged, baggy eyes, slow moving. But inside the man is filled with compassion and kindness. He is the first janitor that I’ve known to show genuine interest in every student and care about more than school cleanliness. He played an instrumental role in my life, especially in the realization of how underappreciated people can be. And going to notice how even the little things you do for them can change their lives.

Mr. Hannon went out of his way to make sure others felt happy. During seventh and eighth grade, the school needed volunteers to help run the scoreboard and the school basketball games. Students were happy to help out the school, however, Mr. Hannon would sometimes pay students out of his own pocket for helping. Helping students made him feel appreciated. Early in middle school, I didn’t know much about him, but I knew I wanted to get to know him better.

During my eighth grade year, I got to know Jim Hannon on a personal level. Over the year, I showed interest in his life and job. I remember at the end of every day, he walked the halls and collect the garbage cans from each room. I made sure to bring our classes garbage to the door to save him the 10 feet. It may not seem like much, but over time his smile got bigger and bigger at the end of the day when he saw a student helping him out. By the end of the year, he and I were closer friends than Pooh and Piglet.

By the middle of the year, I knew him as a friend. I yearned to give back to him. I went to the school principal, Mr. Posick, and asked what I could do. My principal told me his birthday was coming up. Perfect, I thought.

On a Thursday night, a night I knew he would be there because of the school basketball game, my friends and I surprised him with a happy birthday and a cake. I will never forget the look on his face—pure happiness.

He started to cry and I will never forget what he said. “Guys... I...I don’t know what to say. This is the best birthday I have ever had.” Seeing him happier than ever and knowing that he got to share his birthday with someone satisfied me.

At the end of the year, the school put out letters for each teacher to write thank yous and notes and goodbyes. I noticed that there wasn’t one for Mr. Hannon, so I made my own. Sitting down with my friends, I wrote a heartfelt letter to him with my friends, thanking him for his time and warm nature to the students. The next day in school, Mr. Posick called me and my friends down to the office. Oh no, what could it be? He sat us down in his office and pressed a few buttons on his office phone. A familiar voice played over the speakerphone, as I heard Mr. Hannon thanking us for the letter we wrote to him, choking back tears.

During my sophomore year, I heard Mr. Hannon was diagnosed with cancer. After hearing the news, I knew I needed to pay my respects before I leave for college and won’t be able to see him as much. Mr. Hannon, I want to thank you for being a part of my life and letting me experience life with you. An underappreciated janitor can change the lives of many people when they learn to be appreciated.