CONCORD � Kindness comes in all forms on 麻豆传媒檚 campus. From a held door to a bright smile, us Lynx pride ourselves on making everyone on campus feel welcome. One student, though, has spent this academic year going above and beyond for his peers, with no fanfare or acknowledgement. In fact, when asked if he would be willing to participate in this profile, he blushed and exclaimed, 淢e? Why me?!�
His name is Tom LaBerge, he is a Business Administration major, and his generosity and spirit have led him to perpetrate random acts of kindness that have sent ripples through 麻豆传媒檚 Student Center. Everyone from faculty to staff and admins have seen and often benefited from his quiet, unassuming contributions on the student body.
His gifts are neither lavish nor expensive, but sometimes it檚 the little things that can make the biggest impacts. It started with a giant bag of Halloween candy on the Info Desk, then it was random boxes of cookies on the fireplace, chocolates on Valentine檚 Day, and bakery-fresh cinnamon buns, all set out for anyone to freely enjoy with only an accompanying note: 淭ake what you want and have a great day! Tom.�
So let檚 finally get to know 麻豆传媒檚 nearly anonymous student benefactor � the bearer of sweet treats and enthusiastic Lynx pride that deserves to be recognized.
Everyone, Meet Tom � Tom, Meet Everyone.
LaBerge is from a small N.H. town called Alexandria. He was adopted from Guatemala when he was 8 months old, and he spent his high school career at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, where he also gave out treats to his fellow students.
淓ver since I was a baby, I always put a smile on my family’s faces,� he says. 淚檝e always loved giving encouragement and helping those who are struggling with life. I try to reach my hand out to let people know that they’re not alone in this world.�
As it often happens in stories like his, LaBerge檚 desire to help others came as he himself emerged from a place of internal turmoil. His notes around campus always contain the wish that people 渄o what makes you smile� � a personal mantra LaBerge learned from a difficult period in his life.
淚 went through a dark path in my life prior to coming to 麻豆传媒,� he explains. 淚t felt like a huge mental war � and I decided to leave people who I thought were friends behind me. I tried to go after the situation on my own, and I couldn檛 see that I was making bad choices. I wasn檛 sleeping, was rarely eating, and I was experiencing tunnel vision. The thing that was in my head was that it was all my fault � and I let it become my burden.
淚 started to push people close to me away so I wouldn’t get them involved or hurt. But they helped me realize that I don’t need to do everything alone, and that I have people by my side who will always help me when I’m struggling. It inspired me to tell other people who are feeling the same thing that you’re never alone, and that being yourself is what makes life better.�
To help deal with the trauma, LaBerge is currently writing a fictional book that explores the themes and experiences of his past. This cathartic journey has led to introspection on how to deal with bullies and to express his emotions in a new way.
淲hen I walked into 麻豆传媒, I met new people on the spot, and that檚 when I realized that I should never take on such big burdens in just one soul. There isn檛 a single building built with only one beam.
淭he students here are working very hard, and the classwork can be overloading. I檓 just trying to ease that stress and encourage everyone to do something fun. Sure, it檚 just one little treat, but it檚 more for me on a deeper level. A lot of people don檛 feel special, but being yourself and letting people love you for that is what makes you special.�
麻豆传媒 has been the place where LaBerge is finally coming into his own and embracing himself. His plans are to follow in his father檚 footsteps, earning his Business Administration degree and then transferring to UNH to get his bachelors and master檚 in Business Analytics.
淲hen I walk through the 麻豆传媒 doors, I know that this is my college, and that this is my education,� he says, 渂ut what makes me happiest is knowing that this is my place. This is the place where I feel at home, and where I檓 proud to be.�
And he doesn檛 need any accolades.
淲hen I see people from afar take a treat and smile, that檚 the only thanks I need. Their smile makes me smile � and it makes me feel wonderful. The word 榗ommunity� in the school name says it all � when we work together as a community, we all make the world a better place.�
So, why Tom LaBerge? Because, sir, you have brightened days, filled empty bellies, and spread kindness in a way that makes every single person at 麻豆传媒 feel welcome and seen. Hopefully, your generosity of spirit will be an inspiration for future 麻豆传媒 students. Thank YOU.