We remember how tough it was starting out with complex software architectures, so today we decided to "pay it forward." We spent the afternoon on campus sharing our codebase, explaining our logic, and helping some of the younger students troubleshoot their bugs. Seeing their excitement when a concept finally clicked...We remember how tough it was starting out with complex software architectures, so today we decided to "pay it forward." We spent the afternoon on campus sharing our codebase, explaining our logic, and helping some of the younger students troubleshoot their bugs. Seeing their excitement when a concept finally clicked was even better than finishing the project ourselves! One small tip can save someone hours of frustration.Read more

It started pouring while I was near the Zurich Enge station. I noticed a tourist and an elderly gentleman looking quite distressed as they realized they didn't have umbrellas for the walk to their next connection. Since I was heading home and had a spare umbrella in my bag, I...It started pouring while I was near the Zurich Enge station. I noticed a tourist and an elderly gentleman looking quite distressed as they realized they didn't have umbrellas for the walk to their next connection. Since I was heading home and had a spare umbrella in my bag, I handed it to the gentleman. I also realized my 24-hour ZVV travel pass still had several hours of validity left but I wouldn't be using it again today. I tucked the pass into a protected sleeve at the tram stop with a note in German and English: "Gute Fahrt! / Have a nice trip! - Already paid for, please use." It’s a small Swiss tradition to pass on still-valid tickets, and seeing the relief on their faces as they stayed dry made the rainy afternoon feel much brighter.Read more

Instead of heading to a big-chain supermarket, I made a conscious effort to visit the local neighborhood grocer today. I brought along my canvas tote bags to help reduce plastic waste while picking up some fresh corn, leeks, and greens. It feels great knowing that my shopping list is helping...Instead of heading to a big-chain supermarket, I made a conscious effort to visit the local neighborhood grocer today. I brought along my canvas tote bags to help reduce plastic waste while picking up some fresh corn, leeks, and greens. It feels great knowing that my shopping list is helping a small business owner in my community, and the quality of the fresh, local produce is so much better. It's a small way to take care of the planet and my neighbors at the same time! Read more

I was spending the afternoon at a cozy café in the 1st District, soaking in the classic Viennese atmosphere. When I went to pay for my Wiener Melange, I noticed a small chalkboard near the register for "suspended" orders I decided to pay for an extra coffee and a slice...I was spending the afternoon at a cozy café in the 1st District, soaking in the classic Viennese atmosphere. When I went to pay for my Wiener Melange, I noticed a small chalkboard near the register for "suspended" orders I decided to pay for an extra coffee and a slice of Sachertorte to be added to the board. In Vienna, these "suspended" items are pre-paid for anyone who might be having a rough day or can't afford a treat but still wants to enjoy the warmth and dignity of a coffee house. It felt like a small way to honor the city’s tradition of making the coffee house a "living room" for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.Read more

My goddaughter is getting married tomorrow, but unfortunately, the flower market was closed and we couldn't get the flowers we wanted. I knocked on a neighbor's door to ask for a few of their hydrangeas, but no one was home. Since it was an emergency, I took three small ones...My goddaughter is getting married tomorrow, but unfortunately, the flower market was closed and we couldn't get the flowers we wanted. I knocked on a neighbor's door to ask for a few of their hydrangeas, but no one was home. Since it was an emergency, I took three small ones from their amazing plants and left a box of chocolates at their door in exchange. They are absolute life-savers for helping make a special day even more beautiful!Read more

I was grabbing a quick lunch today and decided to brighten someone else's afternoon. When I got to the window to pay, I asked the cashier for the total of the car behind me as well. It’s a small gesture, but the cashier’s face lit up when I asked, and...I was grabbing a quick lunch today and decided to brighten someone else's afternoon. When I got to the window to pay, I asked the cashier for the total of the car behind me as well. It’s a small gesture, but the cashier’s face lit up when I asked, and it felt great knowing that the next person in line would get a happy surprise when they went to pay for their food. Hopefully, it keeps the chain of kindness going!Read more