From the Nominator

A University of California, Los Angeles team member wrote a first-person column about rescuing a hummingbird as a way to reflect on the deeper values of empathy, care, and responsibility toward all forms of life. The column, which chronicled the experience of rescuing the fragile bird, serves as a personal narrative that emphasizes how even small, seemingly insignificant acts can have profound impacts on the world around us. The hummingbird, in this context, becomes a metaphor for the broader principle of caring for and protecting life in all its forms, whether human, animal, or the environment. The act of rescuing the bird symbolizes the importance of taking action when we witness suffering or need, no matter how small or large. Through this story, the team member sought to connect the personal to the universal, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own role in fostering compassion and kindness. The column underscores the message that every living being deserves care and attention, and our actions—no matter how small—can contribute to a larger culture of empathy and respect for all life. It is also a reminder that, as members of a global community, we all share a responsibility to act in ways that promote harmony and well-being for both the environment and its inhabitants. The story highlights the value of mindful actions and the interconnectedness of all living things.

From the Judges

A simple (and practical) story that connects readers to our human desire to make a difference in the world. Great first sentence and nice orchestra conductor metaphor. Uses some effective and evocative phrasing ("insects who likely thought they had stumbled upon a soon-to-be carcass"). Captures the wonder that interaction with wild creatures can evoke.