Girl gives classmates, teachers lesson in giving

HARLINGEN — What started as a casual conversation in a hallway at Vela Middle School turned into a moment Orissa Castillo and Brandon Melchor likely will remember and cherish for a lifetime.

Orissa and Brandon, both eighth-graders, were sitting outside their classroom one day during a ninth period language arts class when a simple question sparked the true meaning of Christmas.

“I just asked him if he liked school,” Orissa said. “He said he would rather be in school because he and his family are going through a lot. He talked about what they have and don’t have.”

One of the details that Brandon disclosed that afternoon was that he loves to read.

“I mainly like bigger books,” Brandon said. “I read through the smaller ones really quick. I have a lot of time to read at home.”

But because of financial strains, his family can’t purchase Brandon all the books he wants, he said.

That’s where Orissa stepped in.

She used some of her personal savings from money family members had given her, and purchased two Harry Potter books for Brandon. She donated two other books that she’d already read and gave Brandon volumes 2 through 5 of the Harry Potter series.

“I just wanted him to know that someone was listening and that people out there do think about others and not just themselves,” Orissa said. “There’s kids out there that can’t experience Christmas. I had a chance to give, and I did.”

Orissa’s act of giving alone exhibited the spirit of Christmas. But it was her humility that reminded her teacher Ezelina Marroquin that the true Christmas spirit lives strong.

“When I called her (Orissa’s) parents to ask for permission if the newspaper could write a story, her mom didn’t know to what extent Orissa had gone,” Marroquin said. “Her mom was speechless. I spoke to Brandon’s dad, and he was touched by the whole thing. We’re all very appreciative of her.”

Orissa wasn’t looking for credit when she decided to buy the books for her classmate. She was just doing what she’d been taught was the right thing to do, she said.

“I didn’t think it was a big deal,” Orissa said.

The students at Vela Middle School don’t do a secret Santa gift exchange, but Orissa had planned to give Brandon the gift as a secret Santa last Friday.

“I told her he needs to know it came from you,” Marroquin said. “I invited the counselors and the yearbook to take photos. I took roll, then I told the class we had a special presentation of a gift. I don’t think anyone was expecting it. Everyone clapped and cheered and cried. She blew me away with her generosity. We’re all so proud of her for showing us the true meaning of Christmas.”

Marroquin emailed all the teachers and staff at Vela to let them know what Orissa had done that day.

Only acquaintances before the gift exchange, Brandon said their friendship grew stronger following Orissa’s noble act.

“I was hoping it was books,” Brandon said with a smile. “That was very nice of Orissa, and it made me very happy.”