They contend that sincere kindness is displayed even when no one is looking. More significantly, folks who genuinely want to help others don’t need cameras or social media to make their good deeds known. They behave automatically and without ceremony.

Not everyone can react as this Albuquerque boy did after finding a stash of cash next to a Wells Fargo ATM.

Even if it happened in May 2020, it is still a remarkable and inspiring story that should be told and shared. It is just a teachable opportunity, regardless of where you are on the planet.

Then José Nuez Romaniz, a 19-year-old from Albuquerque, New Mexico, happened to be in the right place at the right time. And in that unique situation, he made the best decision.

He went to the ATM first, even though he was only supposed to buy his grandfather a pair of socks. He noticed a clear bag of cash next to this Wells Fargo ATM at the time.

It’s probable that other people considered fleeing with the money bag. They can fix many financial problems and make purchases that will radically change their life with that much money.

Additionally, they could get away with it because nobody else was present at the time.

Instead, Jose called the number on the ATM to report what he had discovered. He then made a call to the police.

Jose claimed that at the time, all he could think about was his parents, especially his mother, and what she would think if she saw him with so much cash. With all that money, Jose might wager that his mother would strike him with her chancla or flip-flops.

Jose learned afterward that the bag contained approximately $135,000. The cash bag was mistakenly left behind by the subcontractor tasked with filling the ATM since he was unaware that it was there.

The city officials were certainly impressed by the young man’s honesty. The power company PNM gave him a $500 payment to go toward his tuition.

El Patron also offered Jose a $500 cash prize and a gift card, and ESPN Radio gave Jose and his family season passes to watch Lobo football along with a football that was personally signed by Brian Urlacher.

Jose also received recognition from Mayor Tim Keller and Police Chief Mike Geier. Mayor Keller applauded Jose’s integrity and even made the light-hearted remark that it was genuinely admirable to resist the urge to take even one bundle off the pile’s top.

It was encouraging for Police Chief Geier to witness this outstanding example being set by a young person like Jose. Their faith in the community and young people was restored by this modest deed.

Additionally, Chief Geier gave Jose and his family a tour of the police department’s crime lab and informed them that they would consider hiring Jose to work as a public safety officer if he showed interest. Jose was a student of criminal justice at the Central New Mexico Community College.

Teenagers have a negative reputation since it seems like all they do is cause trouble, but there are also good youngsters who have strong morals and a kind heart.

Like this 11-year-old youngster, who returned a wallet he found on the street despite his family’s financial hardships, and this 15-year-old boy, who picked up a safe drowned in the river and returned its contents—$1,800 and other valuables—to the owner.

At the moment, Jose and his entire family were quite proud of him. The prizes themselves were merely an added bonus. The greatest prize was obtaining the respect and affection of his family for doing morally.

Please see the video below for more details on this story: