A student at Carleton College in Minnesota had her plans interrupted when she noticed a baby duck on campus and decided to help it. Annie Rogovin, the student, found the duck waddling on a hill near the sidewalk and realized it looked injured. She stayed around to see if there was anything she could do to assist the duck. Another person also noticed the duckling and called her over for help guiding it back to a tree where other ducklings were present. Rogovin, impressed by the situation, sent an email to her professor, Dr. Victoria Austen, explaining that she would not be able to attend their meeting due to the duck situation. Austen was moved by her student’s selflessness and shared the story on social media, praising Rogovin for her actions.
The email exchange between Rogovin and Austen brightened the professor’s day. Austen was not bothered by the rescheduling of the meeting, as it was never formally planned, and she knew Rogovin to be truthful and genuine. Rogovin, after spending time around the duck, realized that it was not injured but just a very young duckling struggling to walk. She used her sweatshirt to carry the duck and placed it back in the tree where it could be with the other ducklings. Despite not having any updates on the duck’s wellbeing, Rogovin expressed her hope that it was in a good place near Lyman Lakes campus where all the ducks usually gather.
Users on social media reacted positively to the story shared by Austen, with many finding it adorable and heartwarming. Some users were curious to see the photo of the duck that was not originally included in the post. One user humorously commented, “They ducked out of the meeting?” showing appreciation for Rogovin’s action. Others praised Rogovin for her kindness and even suggested giving her extra credit for her compassionate gesture. Overall, the story resonated with many people, showcasing the impact of small acts of kindness and compassion towards animals.
The story of Rogovin’s encounter with the baby duck highlights the importance of empathy and caring for all living beings. Austen’s acknowledgment of Rogovin’s actions and her decision to share the story on social media further emphasize the value of compassion and selflessness. Rogovin’s willingness to prioritize the well-being of a baby duck over a scheduled meeting reflects her character and values, earning her admiration from both her professor and online users. The heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the positive impact that small gestures of kindness can have on others, including animals in need of assistance.
Newsweek’s commitment to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground is exemplified in stories like Rogovin’s encounter with the baby duck. By sharing stories that highlight acts of kindness and compassion, Newsweek aims to inspire readers to express empathy towards others, regardless of their species. Rogovin’s actions showcase the power of compassion in making a difference, even in seemingly small and insignificant situations. As Austen noted, the story was extremely wholesome and fun, serving as a reminder of the positive impact of simple acts of kindness and empathy in today’s world.
