Equity and inclusion can take many forms. A wonderful example of this was the 60th birthday celebration of James Anthony, a custodian at Hickerson Elementary in Tullahoma, Tennessee. When he opened the door to the kindergarten classroom, he was greeted by a group of children wishing him a happy birthday. But since Anthony is deaf, the children learned how to sign the song in American Sign Language (ASL) for him.

Anthony, known as Mr. James to the children, had worked at the school for 15 years up to that point. The video, which dates back to 2018, shows the custodian visibly moved and shrieking with excitement. The group of children follows the lead of teachers Allyssa Hartsfield and Amy Hershman, who taught the kindergarten children how to sign that very same day.

“Everybody loves him,” school secretary Vonni Scott told Today. “They wanted to surprise him with it.” The custodian is described as a favorite among students and has a deep bond with the school children. “They high-five him through the hallway all the time,” Scott said. “He signs with a lot of the special needs kids.” Although he has been deaf since birth, he speaks and reads books to preschool children.

Anthony told FOX 17 that the kindergarten kids's birthday signing “touched his heart.” Scott added that the custodian “was in tears and very humbled by it.” After all, he has taught some of the other kids how to sign and is seen as a great role model for the students. “Mr. James teaches the kids sign language every now and then, teaches them good manners and how to treat other people,” said Hickerson Principal Jimmy Anderson.

Today, Mr. James is still a beloved part of the community. For the summer holiday period, the school launched a project starring him. Titled “Flat James,” it features school children and their families on vacation, posing with a picture of him wherever they are in the world, much to Anthony's delight. As of writing, 50 children have submitted their images, taking the custodian to places as far as Rome and Punta Cana. You can browse all the images on Hickerson Elementary's Facebook page.

Want to learn how to sign happy birthday? Follow along with a short ASL lesson:

Sources: Hickerson Elementary on Facebook; Middle Tennessee kindergartners sign ‘Happy Birthday' song to custodian who is deaf; Kindergartners sign ‘Happy Birthday' to deaf custodian in heartwarming video

Related Articles:

Buzz Lightyear Talks To Deaf Boy in Sign Language at Disneyland and Makes His Whole Day

First-Grade Teacher Takes Entire Class on a Pretend Trip to Mexico Without Leaving the School

School Bus Driver Goes the Extra Mile to Make Sure Student Has Pajamas on Pajama Day

Elementary School Students Learn ASL to Communicate With Deaf Cafeteria Worker

READ: Kindergarteners Learn How To Sign “Happy Birthday” To Celebrate Beloved Custodian Who Is Deaf

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 there were 304,000 children and teenagers living with type 1 diabetes. Hoping to improve visibility and representation around this condition, Mattel collaborated with Breakthrough T1D, a type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, to launch the first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes.

The new Barbie has two parallel missions: to allow children with type 1 diabetes to see themselves in the toys they play with; and to expand the world’s view of those experiencing this condition, hoping to foster acceptance and empathy. The doll will join Barbie's global Fashionistas lineup, which features more than 175 dolls with different skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion styles.

Breakthrough T1D worked with Mattel to accurately depict the medical equipment used by someone with type 1 diabetes, as well as the doll's looks. Most notably, this Barbie wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) with heart-shaped medical tape on her arm. These devices measure a person’s blood-sugar levels throughout the day, sometimes with the help of a smartphone app—like the one displayed on Barbie's phone.

Attached to the doll’s waist is a small insulin pump, which provides patients with automated insulin dosing as needed. Her polka dot outfit is a nod to the blue circle, a worldwide symbol for diabetes awareness. Barbie also comes with a purse to carry snacks and other medical supplies she may need to keep her blood sugar in check.

“We were thrilled when Barbie approached us to collaborate on the development of the Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes,” says Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., CEO of Breakthrough T1D. “I have lived with T1D since I was 13, and my brother since he was 3, so this partnership is deeply personal—it means the world to be part of bringing greater visibility to a condition that affects so many families. It’s an honor to work with a brand that shares our commitment to showing children that a life with type 1 diabetes can be full, vibrant, and empowering.”

Mattel donated the first of these Barbies with type 1 diabetes to the young attendees of the Breakthrough T1D 2025 Children’s Congress. At this event, patients between 4 and 17 years old raised support for scientists looking for a cure for type 1 diabetes among lawmakers. The Barbie with type 1 diabetes is also available to the general public, and you can find it on Mattel's online store, as well as at retailers like Walmart and Amazon.

Mattel collaborated with Breakthrough T1D, a type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, to launch the first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes.

This Barbie wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) with heart-shaped medical tape on her arm.

Attached to the doll’s waist is a small insulin pump, which provides patients with automated insulin dosing as needed.

Her polka dot outfit is a nod to the blue circle that’s a worldwide symbol for diabetes awareness.

The doll will join Barbie’s global Fashionistas lineup, which features more than 175 dolls with different skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion styles.

Barbie: Website | Instagram
Breakthrough T1D: Website | Instagram

All images via Mattel.

Sources: Barbie® Introduces First-Ever Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes to Expand Representation and Inspire More Children; National Diabetes Statistics Report

Related Articles:

Mattel Honors EGOT Winner Rita Moreno With Her Own Barbie Doll Ahead of Her 93rd Birthday

Barbie Introduces Diwali Doll Created by Indian Fashion Designer Anita Dongre

Barbie Releases Kristi Yamaguchi Doll Honoring the Iconic Olympic Figure Skater

Barbie Celebrates 65th Anniversary With Dolls of Powerful Women Around the World

READ: Barbie Introduces Doll With Type 1 Diabetes to Make Every Child Feel Included

Photo: Nichole Ayers / NASA

Being 250 miles away from Earth provides astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with some incredible views. But it also allows them to document happenings best seen from above. Astronaut Nichole Ayers, who is in orbit as part of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission, captured a rare phenomenon known as a gigantic jet on camera during a storm over North America.

NASA defines gigantic jets as a discharge that occurs between some thunderstorms and the Earth’s ionosphere high above them. “They are an unusual type of lightning that is much different from regular cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning,” they add. Gigantic jets are one of the known Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), which also include other elusive phenomena like sprites, halos, and ELVES—a dim, expanding red glow in the night sky.

Ayers captured the gigantic jet as the ISS went over Mexico and the U.S. on the morning of July 3. To get this image, she used a Nikon Z9 using a 50mm lens (f/1.2, ¼ sec, ISO 6400) she had set up in the Cupola to capture a time-lapse image. “In this photo, the storm appears to be hovering near the Texas-Mexico border,” Ayers said. “You can spot the glow of Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston to the northeast, and Torreón, Mexico, to the southwest.”

At first, due to its appearance, Ayers believed the mysterious lightning shooting upward to be a sprite, which are also very rare and enigmatic. “Some sprites tend to dance over the storms, turning on and off one after another,” NASA says. “Many questions about how and why they form remain unanswered.” TLEs are so poorly understood that even NASA has set up a citizen science project to gather as much footage as possible for further study.

Fellow astronaut Don Pettit, who is well-known for taking and sharing mind-blowing images from the ISS, praised Ayers for her insightful image. “To record a photo like this takes skill to set up the camera but more than that, the knowledge of what lightning systems are likely to create sprites and the willingness to take 2000-5000 images where only one will record a sprite,” he wrote. “Kudos to Nicole for her imagery efforts!” To which Ayers replied, “Trying to make you proud! Couldn’t get pictures like this without your willingness to teach and share knowledge with everyone.”

With how little is known about gigantic jets, sprites, and other TLE, Ayers hopes that this picture will help understand these phenomena better.  To stay up to date with the astronaut, make sure to follow Nichole Ayers on X.

Astronaut Nichole Ayers, who is in orbit as part of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission, captured a rare phenomenon known as a gigantic jet.

Photo: Nichole Ayers / NASA

Ayers captured the gigantic jet as the International Space Station went over Mexico and the U.S. on the morning of July 3.

Photo: Nichole Ayers / NASA

Sources: Nichole “Vapor” Ayers on X; Don Pettit on Instagram; NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for June 18, 2024; Spritacular: NASA’s New Citizen Science Project to Capture Elusive Upper Atmospheric Electrical Phenomena on Camera

Related Articles:

Astrophotographer Braves Scorching Heat To Take “Once in a Lifetime” Photo of ISS Transit

Astronaut Don Pettit Captures Bright Green Aurora From the International Space Station

Incredible Photo Captures Comet ATLAS and the Milky Way in the Mojave Desert

Stunning Images of Comet A3 Captured by Astronauts Aboard the ISS

READ: Astronaut Aboard the ISS Captures an Elusive Atmospheric Phenomenon on Camera

Photo: Image Press Agency/Depositphotos

Life on the road as a musician isn't easy; not even if you’re part of the most successful acts in the planet. Singer Olivia Rodrigo knows this all too well, having toured the world since she was only 19. From the long hours of rehearsal and traveling to being away from home for months at a time, it can wear down even those who have done it for decades. To protect the mental health of her band and crew, guitarist Daisy Spencer reveals, Rodrigo paid for everyone in her touring party to get therapy.

“On the Guts World Tour, Olivia and our tour manager, Marty Hom, made accessible and free therapy for all of the touring personnel,” Spencer told The StageLeft Podcast. “I have never had anything like that. And that reignited the importance of therapy to me because I had just kind of fallen off for so long, and then suddenly I had this free resource of incredible therapists, and I utilized the crap out of that.”

Spencer added that this service included both the time they are on tour with Rodrigo and the breaks between the tour legs. “Honestly, that was one of the coolest things that has ever happened on tour,” Spencer added. “Like, seriously, one of the best things you can give to people is accessible free therapy, because it can get kind of expensive.” Rodrigo, whose father is a family therapist, is keenly aware of the importance of mental health.

Mind, a UK-based mental health charity, has reported that people in the music industry are “more prone to mental health problems than the general population,” due to the financial pressures and frantic lifestyles that come with touring. The organization has also found that musicians are “up to three times more likely to suffer from depression.”

For Spencer, therapy has allowed her to process not only her current lifestyle, but also everything that has brought her to this point. “It’s been a gift for real. I feel like it is such a gift to be able to look within yourself and have someone else help you bring some stuff out of you that you might otherwise on your own not be able to get there,” the guitarist added. “That’s the gift that therapy has given to me, is that I am able to really flesh out some stuff from my childhood that needed a voice.”

Rodrigo and Spencer are currently on the final leg of the Guts World Tour. Having wrapped their first Latin American tour in the spring, Rodrigo and her band are now playing festivals around Europe. They will return to North America later in the summer to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago and Osheaga Festival in Montreal. To learn more and get tickets, visit Olivia Rodrigo's website.

To protect the mental health of her band and crew on tour, Olivia Rodrigo paid for all of them to have free access to therapy. The perk also covered the breaks between the tour legs.

Photo: Regina Sienra / My Modern Met

“On the Guts World Tour, Olivia and our tour manager, Marty Hom, made accessible and free therapy for all of the touring personnel,” Daisy Spencer, Rodrigo's guitarist, told The StageLeft Podcast.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Daisy (@daisyspencer)

“Honestly, that was one of the coolest things that has ever happened on tour. Like, seriously, one of the best things you can give to people is accessible free therapy.”

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Daisy (@daisyspencer)

Olivia Rodrigo: Website | Instagram
Daisy Spencer: Instagram

Sources: Olivia Rodrigo paid for her entire touring crew to have therapy; Music sector guides at Mind

Related Articles:

Olivia Rodrigo Falls Through a Hole on Stage Mid-Show and Recovers Gracefully

Lewis Capaldi Partners With Betterhelp To Donate 734,000 Hours of Free Therapy

Pink’s Daughter Willow Nails a Cover of an Olivia Rodrigo Song at Her First School Recital

Taylor Swift Gives $55M in Total as a Bonus to Everyone Working on Her ‘Eras Tour’

READ: Olivia Rodrigo’s Guitarist Reveals the Singer Paid for Everyone on Her Tour To Go Therapy

Photo by Joris Beugels on Unsplash

According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, in 2023 there were 9.1 million workers aged 65 or older. This means one in four seniors were still in the workforce, looking for extra income to supplement their pensions. This is particularly hard for older women, many of whom don’t have a college degree or work experience. In an effort to support these seniors, a company has set up OK Obaachan, which means “Ok granny,” and allows people to “rent” a grandma for an hourly fee.

OK Obaachan is run by Client Partners, a company that finds job opportunities for women of all ages and skills and has defined itself as a “women-only handyman company.” The OK Obaachan division is made up of about a hundred ladies aged 60 to 94. To join this program, all the women need is the wisdom they’ve accumulated over their life.

“There are many people who want to contribute to society even as they get older,” says the company. “And in fact, the experience and abilities of older people are of great use to society.”

There’s a myriad of things people rent a grandma for. The most common include teaching them how do chores, babysit, or just have someone to listen to them. Many call on these grandmas for advice on things like getting along with relatives or a broken heart. They also lend their elegant penmanship to write things by hand, cook hearty homemade meals, and can be hired to knit or sew a garment.

They’re open to more random tasks as well. The OK Obaachan site lists things their grandmas have done and could do. For example, they can mediate family disputes, help break up with a boyfriend, teach a new mom how to raise a kid, and provide support to gay men coming out to their families. Someone rented a grandma when they didn’t have enough living relatives to join them at their wedding, while another wanted a grandma-like figure to cheer for their kid and take videos at a sports event.

The grandmas offer their services for a ¥3,300 ($22.48) per hour rate, plus an additional ¥3,300 fee to cover transportation, although it’s also subject to the location, time, and tasks. The company states that these fees are non negotiable, and the hourly wage will not be lowered just because they are seniors, out of respect for their experience and abilities.

While applications are open, not everyone can be an OK Obaachan. Client Partners says the perfect grandma is kind, committed, hardworking, and cares about the feelings of others. Additionally, they have to have an open mind, as they may have to deal with things that can be frowned upon by Japanese society, such as single mothers. This vetting process has resulted in people describing their assigned grandmas as very friendly and reliable. In turn, many of the grandmas found purpose in their missions.

“The merit of age is the ability to remain unfazed by small things,” adds Client Partners. “Their consideration for those who need it most, and while they may lack the physical strength and agility of their younger counterparts, their housework and child-rearing skills honed over years of being a housewife, their communication skills honed through relationships with neighbors and relatives, their rich life experience having endured the good and the bad, and their friendly, warm presence are all irreplaceable strengths.”

In an effort to support Japan’s female seniors, a company has set up OK Obaachan, a program that allows people to “rent” a grandma for an hourly fee.

Photo by Joris Beugels on Unsplash

There’s a myriad of things people rent a grandma for. The most common include teaching someone how to do chores, babysit, or just have someone to vent to.

Photo by Joris Beugels on Unsplash

Still, they are open for more random tasks, like mediating family disputes, attending weddings, knitting something, breaking up with boyfriends, and serving as a grandma-like figure at sports events.

Photo by Antoine Sanchez on Unsplash

Sources: Rental grandma service growing in Japan, can help cook or break up with boyfriends; Senior Division “OK Grandma”

Related Articles:

82-Year-Old Powerlifting Grandma Is Proof That Strength Knows No Age

South Korean Grandmas Help Save Schools in Areas With Low Birthrates by Enrolling in Class

“Thanksgiving Grandma” Celebrates 9th Year in a Row With the Man She Accidentally Invited to Dinner

Grandma Shows Off Her Moves as She Spontaneously Joins TikTok Dancers in a Supermarket

READ: You Can “Rent a Grandma” in Japan To Learn How To Cook and Break up With a Boyfriend

Photo: ProShooter/Depositphotos

Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest American football player of all time. In his 23 seasons in the NFL, he won seven Super Bowls—six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—making him the most accomplished athlete in this sport. Given his legacy, the Patriots waived the four-year waiting period needed to induct him in their Hall of Fame. At his induction ceremony, Brady gave a powerful, evergreen speech for the ages about perseverance and teamwork.

Having spent two decades leading one of the most successful sports teams in history, Brady's insights resonate beyond football. “The foundation of a successful team, a family, or business is asking what you can do to support the mission,” he said in his speech. “Everyone was committed to winning. Everyone was selfless. Everyone was always asking, ‘What can I do to help the team win?’As the great John Wooden said, ‘Happiness begins where selfishness ends.’”

As the 199th overall pick out of 254 in the 2000 NFL draft, little was expected of Brady at the beginning of his professional career. However, he eventually rose to the very top, becoming a legend and being inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in June 2024. His is the only induction ceremony to take place in a sold-out 65,000-person-capacity stadium—the one where Patriots play their home games.

Addressing the question he often gets asked about whether his children will play football, Brady said that he's going to support their dreams, whatever they are. However, he admits, he can't help but recommend it given what it adds to one's life.

“I would encourage everyone to play football for the simple reason that it is hard,” Brady says. “It’s hard when you’re young to wake up in the offseason at 6 a.m. to go train and workout, knowing that all your friends are sleeping in and eating pancakes. It’s hard when you’re on your way to practice, weighed down with all your gear, and it’s 90 degrees out, and all the other kids are at the pool or at the beach, and your body is already completely exhausted from workouts and two-a-days. It’s hard to throw, catch, block, and tackle, and hit kids when they’re way bigger and way more developed than you, only to go home that night, bruised and battered and strained, but knowing you have to show up again the next day for just the chance to try again.

“But understand this: life is hard. No matter who you are, there are bumps and hits and bruises along the way. And my advice is to prepare yourself because football lessons teach us that success and achievement come from overcoming adversity, and that team accomplishment far exceeds anyone’s individual goals. To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t. Consistent, determined, and willing to work for it. No shortcuts.”

Following his retirement in 2023, Brady's consistency and determination hasn't waivered. Now, the former NFL player brings his expertise to other ventures, such as a broadcasting career at Fox Sports, and as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, the WNBA team Las Vegas Aces, and the British soccer team Birmingham City—all of which have seen improvements or even championships since his arrival.

You can watch Brady's inspiring induction ceremony speech below. To stay up to date with him, follow Tom Brady on Instagram.

Watch Tom Brady's powerful Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony speech, including his remarks about why he encourages everyone to play football.

Sources: Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Speech; Tom Brady | The Patriots Hall of Fame

Related Articles:

Steve Carell Tells Graduates “Kindness Isn’t a Weakness” in Speech Packed With Life Advice

Conan O’Brien’s Mark Twain Prize Acceptance Speech Is a Masterful Tribute

Watch Taylor Swift Deliver an Inspiring Commencement Speech to ‘22 Graduates

Gisele Bündchen Pens Heartfelt Message to Husband Tom Brady After He Announces NFL Retirement

READ: Tom Brady Gives Impassioned Speech Encouraging Everyone To Play Football

Photo: Almunia et al. via Oceans (CC BY 4.0)

If you're on the animal side of TikTok, you've surely seen videos of animals appearing to kiss. This can go from cute, with kittens grooming each other, to uncomfortably odd, with cows sucking each other's faces. But kissing is not exclusive to land-dwelling animals. Scientists have caught orcas “French kissing” on camera in different underwater environments. And while it may come across as a little odd, it offers some insight into whale behavior.

Researchers first recorded these unusual “kisses” among orcas in captivity. One was recorded at Loro Parque, a zoo in the Canary Islands, in 2013. “In that case, one individual protruded its tongue while the other made gentle nibbling movements,” write Dr. Javier Almunia, director of Loro Parque; Johnny Van Vliet; and Debbie Bouma in a study published in Oceans. “The behavior occurred in three sequences, interrupted by the withdrawal and re-extension of the tongue, lasting a total of approximately 15 seconds.”

In another study from 2019, where Almunia also participated, scientists looked at social behaviors of Loro Parque's orcas. This “gentle tongue bite” was listed as an affiliative behavior, rather than a sexual or combative one. This is due to the animal touching the other's tongue with its teeth but not biting it, and was seen among females and young orcas. It is also listed alongside behaviors like swimming together, playing, and resting alongside one another.

Since orca kisses had only been recorded in controlled environments, scientists were surprised when they accidentally recorded two orcas going at it during a snorkeling expedition by citizen scientists in a fjord in Norway. This one lasted about two minutes and sounds a bit more tame than the other example. It is described as involving “repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact.”

Having spotted this rare behavior in orcas both in the wild and in captivity, the scientists say it suggests it was not induced by captivity-related conditions. “The observation also supports the interpretation of tongue-nibbling as a socially affiliative behavior, likely involved in reinforcing social bonds, particularly among juveniles,” write the scientists. “The prolonged maintenance of this interaction in managed populations originating from geographically distinct Atlantic and Pacific lineages further indicates its behavioral conservation across contexts.”

There are some hypotheses as to why whales may be engaging in this kind of kissing, like grooming, a kind of game, or a way of begging. But overall, it seems like a way to strengthen the bonds within their community. The mystery around it, however, spotlights how much we still have to learn about these creatures, and how it may take a larger effort to decode it all.

The scientists say, “This finding underscores the importance of underwater ethological observation in capturing cryptic social behaviors in cetaceans and illustrates the value of integrating citizen science into systematic behavioral documentation.”

Scientists have caught orcas “French kissing” in the wild—a behavior that had previously only been recorded among whales in captivity.

It is regarded as an “affiliative behavior” or a way to strengthen the bonds within their community, like playing, swimming, or resting together.

Sources: A Kiss from the Wild: Tongue Nibbling in Free-Ranging Killer Whales (Orcinus orca); Orcas Caught ‘Kissing' For Two Minutes With Tongue; Orcas ‘Kissing' in The Wild; Orcas ‘Kissing' in Captivity; Social interaction analysis in captive orcas (Orcinus orca)

Related Articles:

Extremely Rare All-White Orca Captured on Film in Hokkaido

Orca Who Carried Her Dead Calf for 17 Days Is Seen Mourning the Loss of New Calf in the Same Way

Young Orcas Are Still Ramming Into Boats and Sinking Them, and Now We Know Why

Lone Orca Is Seen Attacking and Eating a Great White Shark for the First Time Ever

READ: Orcas “French Kissing” Captured in Underwater Footage Both in Captivity and in the Wild

Photo: Aaron Burden via Unsplash

For many high school seniors, graduating can be a bittersweet moment, packed with excitement but also with doubt. Aware of this, a high school principal went out of his way to give some long-lasting words of encouragement. Principal Jason Mutterer, of Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington, Texas, wrote a personalized handwritten letter to each of the 443 graduating students, motivating them and reminding them of why they are special ahead of a monumental time in their lives.

Mutterer gave the notes out to the seniors along with their diplomas at the school's graduation ceremony. “He, at one point, goes to tears a little bit. I knew that was going to happen, then he started talking about personal letters and 443 of them and I was like dang,” Eduardo Estrada, one of the graduates, told NBC DFW. “I'm like there's no way he just wrote 443 letters to every student in here.”

When sharing the reasoning behind this gesture, Mutterer said he once got an encouraging note, just like the ones he gave out. “I have a letter that I got from a teacher back when I was in high school and I still have that with me today,” he said. “I was supposed to be a fourth or fifth generation farmer. My government teacher just said that you can go to college and can succeed in college and I kept that because somebody saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.”

Mutterer, who has worked at the school for 23 years, is a basketball coach turned principal. “He didn't want everyone to see him as the principal; at the end of the day, he was a coach, a teacher,” says Andrea Lozada, another graduate. While Mutterer didn't get to be a teacher to any of the seniors, he knew all of them well. The notes praised each student for individual achievements, addressed them by their nicknames, and wished them well in the schools each of the students are going to.

Also hoping to inspire them to pay it forward, each note included a $1 bill, meant to show how a small act of kindness can go a long way. While each of the $1 bills may seem “small and insignificant,” the $443 together can amount to a monthly car payment, a family's electric bill, or new shoes.

“I have done a small random act of kindness by providing each of you a handwritten letter with a dollar 443 random acts of kindness can start a ripple of positive, impactful change,” Mutterer wrote on Facebook. “No act of kindness is too small, so take the Summit Love you developed at Summit [High School] to a world that desperately needs IT and needs YOU.”

The principal also addressed all graduates, reminding them to not forget where they came from, but also to look forward. “Graduation is simultaneously an ending point and a starting point. Today you experience both the ending and the beginning. You have walked in the shadow of others, such as your parents, grandparents, and siblings, but now, BUT NOW, it is time to step out of those shadows, so the world can experience the light each of you have to offer.”

Principal Jason Mutterer, of Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington, Texas, wrote a personalized letter to each of his 443 graduating students.

The notes praised each student for individual achievements and asked them to pay it forward to “start a ripple of positive, impactful change.”

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por TODAY (@todayshow)

Sources: Jason Mutterer on Facebook; Texas principal who wrote 443 graduates personal notes known for going the extra mile

Related Articles:

Steve Carell Tells Graduates “Kindness Isn’t a Weakness” in Speech Packed With Life Advice

Graduate Pays Tribute to His Dad’s Job by Carrying a Gas Tank on His Way to Pick Up His Diploma

Hear Albert Camus’ Grateful Letter to His Teacher After Winning the Nobel Prize

Teacher Sets up a “Question Box” for Students, Gets a Glimpse Into Their Curious Minds

READ: High School Principal Handwrites a Personalized Letter to Each Graduating Student

Photo: mardzpe/Depositphotos

When it comes to art and culture, few cities rival what Mexico City has to offer. With over 150 museums, a never-ending list of events, and world-famous cuisine, the Mexican capital has grown into one of the hottest travel destinations. Additionally, its geographical location makes it a great option for American tourists, as a flight there can be as short as a couple of hours, making even a weekend getaway possible. Plus, there are so many highlights that you'll keep wanting to come back.

Visiting for the first time can be overwhelming, particularly if you don't speak the language. Luckily, we're here to help. Here's a list of favorites by both locals to Mexico City and visitors who have been drawn to the city's charm multiple times. From trendy lodgings to exciting activities, read on for My Modern Met's art and culture guide to Mexico City, and get ready to explore.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Casa Polanco

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Casa Polanco | Hotel Boutique, Mexico City (@casa_polanco)

Casa Polanco brings together the amenities of a five-star resort with the serenity of a boutique hotel. Located in a Neocolonial mansion from the 1940s across the street from Lincoln Park, Casa Polanco allows you to kickstart your day in the heart of one of the most beautiful and upscale areas of the city, surrounded by high-end restaurants and shops.

Octavia Casa

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Octavia Casa (@octaviacasa.mx)

Located in Amatlán street, Casa Octavia offers a cozy hideaway in the middle of the bustling neighborhood of Condesa. With a minimalist atmosphere offset by wooden accents and plenty of plants, this small hotel celebrates the luxury found in simplicity. Casa Octavia only has six rooms, each named after an organic material.

Brick Hotel

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Brick Hotel (@brick_hotel)

Situated in a renovated mansion in the heart of Roma Norte, Brick Hotel is small and luxurious. Drawing from its Belle Époque origins, it boasts a neutral palette with art deco-inspired details, like its full-length mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows. It also boasts a spa, a gym, and plenty of spots to drink or grab a bite.

Condesa DF

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Condesa DF (@condesadfhotel)

Located in the corner of Veracruz and Guadalajara, Condesa DF has a privileged spot in the heart of its namesake neighborhood. Its restaurants and bars, such as El Patio, are favorites among locals and visitors, creating a lively atmosphere almost every night of the week. Its views of Parque España and Chapultepec Castle are unbeatable.

Where to Eat in Mexico City

Contramar

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Restaurante Contramar (@contramarmx)

A staple of Roma Norte, Contramar has turned seafood into a community experience. Created by chef Gabriela Cámara in 1998, this restaurant marries traditional dishes with innovative twists, luring everyone with its enticing menu from everyday locals to celebrities like Dua Lipa. Some favorites include pescado a la talla and tuna tostadas with chipotle mayonnaise.

Ling Ling

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Ling Ling Mexico City (@linglingmexicocity)

Just because you're in Mexico City doesn't mean you have to stick to Mexican food. As a global metropolis, there are plenty of top-of-the-line international offerings, like Ling Ling. Located on the 56th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, one of the tallest skyscrapers on Paseo de la Reforma avenue, this restaurant offers sushi rolls, nigiris, and sashimi, among other delicacies.

Taquería Orinoco

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Taquería Orinoco (@taqueriaorinoco)

Taquería Orinoco is a contentious point for people who live in Mexico City, but a highly reliable spot at the end of the day. Originally from Monterrey, this taco chain arrived in the Mexican capital with its Instagram-ready locales and long lines. Regarding it as the best taco in town may be met with an eye roll, but it's undeniably tasty and convenient. And there are vegetarian options for your pals with meat-free diets.

Quintonil

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants (@theworlds50best)

Created in 2012 by Alejandra Flores and Jorge Vallejo, Quintonil has long been a staple of the The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and a favorite in the Polanco area. Inspired by the myriad of ingredients found around Mexico, Quintonil has come to define contemporary Mexican cuisine. Constantly evolving, the tasting menu is always packed with pleasant surprises.

Must-See Museums in Mexico City

Frida Kahlo Museum

Frida Kahlo Museum. (Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met)

The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul (Blue House) is located in the home in the Coyoacán neighborhood where Kahlo was born, lived for most of her life, worked, and died. There you'll be able to browse paintings and Kahlo's personal objects, thoroughly chronicling the artist's life. We recommend getting your tickets at least a month in advance, as they regularly sell out.

National Anthropology Museum

National Anthropology Museum. (Photo: Alexandra Lande/Depositphotos)

The largest and most visited museum in Mexico, the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Anthropology Museum), houses the largest collection of pre-Columbian Mexican artifacts. Some of the highlights include the Aztec Calendar or Sun Stone, the Recreation of Pakal's tomb in the Mayan wing, and ethnographic exhibits about present-day Indigenous groups. The building alone, designed by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, is worth the visit.

Soumaya Museum

Museo Soumaya. (Photo: ibrester/Depositphotos)

Located in Polanco, the Museo Soumaya (Soumaya Museum) houses the personal art collection of magnate Carlos Slim, and is named after his late wife, Soumaya Domit. Inside, it boasts a wide array of artworks from Rodin, Dalí, and Renoir in a circular display. However, its most alluring element is its curved, glittering facade, designed by Fernando Romero.

Jumex Museum

Museo Jumex. (Photo: ChepeNicoli/Depositphotos)

Located next door to Museo Soumaya is Museo Jumex (Jumex Museum), which hosts rotating contemporary art exhibits, drawing thousands of visitors a year and closing the gap between world-famous artists and the Mexican public. Recently, the museum welcomed a Jeff Koons exhibit and a retrospective on the work of artist Gabriel Orozco.

Museum of Modern Art

Modern Art Museum. (Photo: Gobierno CDMX via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Should you want to see the work of as many Mexican artists from the 20th century as possible, the Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) is the place to visit. Here, you'll see the work of Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington, Francisco Toledo, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, María Izquierdo, and Jorge González Camarena, among others, in a beautiful mid-century building.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Palacio de Bellas Artes. (Photo: flocutus/Depositphotos)

This art nouveau building has been a Mexico City icon since its opening almost 90 years ago. Known for its ornate facade, the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) boasts 17 murals by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, Jorge González Camarena, Manuel Rodríguez Lozano, and Roberto Montenegro, as well as two museums and three auditoriums.

Cultural Activities in Mexico City

Teotihuacán

Teotihuacan. (Photo: billperry/Depositphotos)

Located about an hour north of Mexico City, the Teotihuacán Archeological Zone is a must-see for those hoping to better understand Mexico's past. Teotihuacán thrived between 200 BCE and 650 CE before being abandoned for reasons not completely understood yet. The best option to get there is to take a bus from the Central de Autobuses del Norte (Northern Bus Station). Bring a hat and sunscreen.

Club Tengo Hambre Food Tour

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Club Tengo Hambre | For People Who Travel To Eat (@clubtengohambre)

If you'd like to take in the street food scene in Mexico City, but aren't sure where to start, check out Club Tengo Hambre food tours. They'll take you on a foodie adventure through authentic food stands beloved by locals. It's also a great chance to share a meal with fellow visitors from all over the world.

Centro Histórico

The Mexico City Cathedral. (Photo: gerasimov/Depositphotos)

A stroll around Centro Histórico, Mexico City's historical downtown, is a must for any first-time visit, even if you just walk around to the Zócalo, the main square. Home to some of the oldest and most important buildings in Mexico City, we recommend checking out the Cathedral, the Postal Palace, the National Art Museum, and the National Palace. As general advice, try to stay west of the National Palace and south of República de Cuba street.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos

Biblioteca Vasconcelos. (Photo: Cavan/Depositphotos)

Designed by Alberto Kalach, Biblioteca Vasconcelos is a mind-boggling temple of books, and one of the most striking libraries in the world. Opened in 2006, Biblioteca Vasconcelos consists of three aligned structures of seven levels each, evoking a series of interconnected floating shelves.

El Péndulo

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Cafebrería El Péndulo (@cafebreriaelpendulo)

If you're looking for a casual afternoon or the perfect book to join you on your Mexican getaway, pay a visit to El Péndulo. This chain of bookstores boasts striking designs, whatever branch you're visiting. Book lovers can browse titles for hours on end, and if you make a purchase, you can get a coupon for their café, where they serve dishes named after famous authors.

Unmissable Events

Mexico City Art Week

Every year, in the first week of February, Mexico City Art Week turns CDMX into one big gallery. ZONA MACO is the largest and most famous art fair, gathering hundreds of artists from all over Latin America and the world. To check out emerging and exciting creators, pay a visit to Salón Acme, Feria Material, and BADA .

Music Festivals

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Corona Capital (@coronacapital)

Mexico City's music festivals rival those of the rest of the world, and there are countless events for any genre of music you’re interested in. In February, the Electric Daisy Carnival gathers fans of electronic music, while Corona Capital, in November, brings the top names in rock and pop music to Mexico City. And that's not even taking into account the dozens of shows of all sizes taking place all over the city every day.

Related Articles:

My Modern Met’s Art + Culture Guide to Rome

My Modern Met’s Art + Culture Guide to Phoenix

My Modern Met’s Art + Culture Guide to Istanbul

My Modern Met’s Art + Culture Guide to Palm Springs

READ: My Modern Met’s Art + Culture Guide to Mexico City

Albert Camus talks with two young women at the Nobel ceremony. (Photo: Jan Ehnemark via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

In 1924, two decades before the publication of The Stranger, author Albert Camus was a boy growing up in poverty in Algeria. Noticing his potential, a teacher named Louis Germain took him under his wing, even giving him free lessons to help him secure a scholarship. That's why, when Camus won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957, Germain was one of the people who came to his mind. The author then sent him a moving letter, which continues to resonate with teachers and pupils today.

The letter is dated November 19, 1957, almost a month after Camus was announced as the winner. “I let the commotion around me these days subside a bit before speaking to you from the bottom of my heart,” the author writes. “I have just been given far too great an honor, one I neither sought nor solicited.” Still, Camus saw it as an opportunity to thank Germain for his efforts. “Without you, without the affectionate hand you extended to the small poor child that I was, without your teaching and example, none of all this would have happened.”

At 44, Camus was—and remains—the second-youngest person ever to win this award, only after Rudyard Kipling, who was 41 when he won in 1907. The Swedish Academy recognized the author and philosopher “for his important literary production, which with clear-sighted earnestness illuminates the problems of the human conscience in our times.” Despite his status, the writer never forgot where he came from, nor who got him there. Had it not been for him and the scholarship, Camus likely would have had to join the workforce to support his family.

Germain excitedly replied to Camus's letter, touched by the author's gesture. The teacher said that, despite his success, the author would always be his “little Camus.” “It gives me very great satisfaction to see that your fame has not gone to your head,” Germain added. “You have remained Camus: bravo. I have followed with interest the many vicissitudes of the play you adapted and also staged: The Possessed. I love you too much not to wish you the greatest success: it is what you deserve.”

Many whose careers and lives have been shaped by a devoted teacher relate to this exchange. Among them is Ian Wright, a British former soccer player and media personality. In 2024, Wright read Camus' letter aloud at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall as part of Letters Live, a project that brings powerful correspondence to life—a moment that was poignant due to the ex-athlete's life story.

Much like Camus, Wright had his life shaped by PE teacher Sydney Pigden, who taught him how to read and write, as well as initiating him as a soccer player. Given he had an absent father and an abusive stepfather, Wright has described Pigden as “the first positive male figure” he ever had. After not seeing each other for decades, they had a tearful reunion in 2005, where Pigden told Wright, “I’m so glad you’ve done so well with yourself.” It was a scene that Camus and Germain surely would have found moving.

You can hear Wright's rendition of Camus's gratitude letter in the video below.

After winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957, Albert Camus sent a letter of gratitude to his teacher, Louis Germain.

(Photo: United Press International via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

“Without you, without the affectionate hand you extended to the small poor child that I was, without your teaching and example, none of all this would have happened,” he wrote.

Embed from Getty Images

Hear Camus's letter in the voice of Ian Wright, a British former soccer player and media personality.

Much like Camus, Wright had his life shaped by PE teacher Sydney Pigden, who taught him how to read and write. Watch their tearful reunion below:

Sources: Ian Wright reads Albert Camus' letter to the teacher that changed his life; I embrace you with all my heart; Ian Wright gets a big shock!; Ian Wright: Ex-England striker on troubled childhood and becoming a pro

Related Articles:

Prominent Civil Rights Figure Ruby Bridges Publishes Love Letter to Her First-Grade Teacher

20 Inspiring Quotes From Famous Authors on the Art of Writing and Life

Math Teacher Doesn’t Know Why Students Called Them the G.O.A.T.

You Can Take Over 130 Free Classes at Harvard, and Here’s How

READ: Hear Albert Camus’ Grateful Letter to His Teacher After Winning the Nobel Prize