This is something to ponder. Just picture yourself pulling up to a bank ATM on a typical day with the intention of withdrawing $20. You then catch sight of a sizable bag of cash out of the corner of your eye.
So, what are you going to do with it? Other folks could take that bag and go on a traditional buying spree for themselves.
But, José Nuez Romaniz, a teenager from Albuquerque, did the right thing and handed the money in.
It all began when the 19-year-old college student went to the ATM to withdraw money to buy his grandfather some socks. Nevertheless, while there, he noticed a transparent bag of cash lying next to the ATM.
He quickly took action.
Romaniz dialed the number on the ATM before calling the police, according to KRQE. It transpires that the contractor who was tasked with filling the ATM forgot the money bag and left it there in the open.
Around a hundred dollars, or roughly $135,000, were inside the bag.
The sum has the potential to significantly impact someone’s life. For many, it would include paying off mortgages, school loans, new car purchases, or even just being able to put food on the table.
Many individuals would have been tempted to flee with the money (and hoped they didn’t get caught), but Romaniz did not do that.
In an interview after turning in the money, Romaniz explained his train of thought:
“In the back of my head, I was just thinking about my parents, especially my mom. What she would do if I came home with the money and… what she would do with her chancla [a flip-flop] to hit me.”
Don’t worry, he added that last part in with a good laugh! He went on to say:
“I did the right thing and I know my parents are proud and my family is proud as well.”
Even the mayor, Tim Keller, and the police chief, Mike Geier, paid tribute to Romaniz.
Mayor Keller made a joke during the interview:
“Man, we all know that temptation… Even just to take a little, just one of those bundles off the top! I mean that had to be really hard.”
Geier praised the teen for his good deed, saying:
“What a great opportunity for us to see some good in the community with all the tragedies we see with young people, this really restores our faith in the community as well.”
The police chief’s sentiment is much better. Seeing some good in the world and a young person in your own community with such a strong moral compass was undoubtedly so wonderful.
Romaniz, who was majoring in criminal justice at school, also received recognition for his noble deeds.
He received $500 from PNM for tuition and another $500 in cash and a gift card from El Patron. The family was then given season tickets for the University of New Mexico football team by ESPN Radio.
The money would have attracted many individuals who would have been too tempted to act “right.” Yet, in this instance, one adolescent made his town quite proud.