What began as an anonymous post on the Stony Brook Compliments Facebook page blossomed Friday night into something much bigger.
Someone posted a compliment celebrating Zamir Miah, who has worked the overnight shift at Dunkin' Donuts in Stony Brook for about three years, saying that he is a kind, caring man. The post got hundreds of "likes" and positive comments. So Stony Brook student Daniel Ahmadizadeh decided to put together a plan to surprise Miah, whom they affectionately call Mr. Zamir, to tell him just how much he is loved.
About 60 students showed up to the Dunkin' Donuts store, located on Route 25A across from the Stony Brook LIRR station, with gifts, cards, signs and balloons for Mr. Zamir.
"He always works with a smile and puts a smile on the students' faces. It's rare to find people who are consistently kind and genuine and who everyone agrees with to such a high degree," Ahmadizadeh told Patch. He recounted a story in which Mr. Zamir refused a tip from another student and said, "Please keep it, you're a student, you keep your money."
"Rejecting a tip? I mean that's historic," Ahmadizadeh said. "That is but just one of the many examples that reveal his character and show who he is."
Maksudur Chowdhury, the store manager, said Mr. Zamir is not just a good employee, but that he is a good person too.
"How good he is, that's why you guys are here," Chowdhury said.
Mr. Zamir said he was touched by the students' surprise – and said he won't forget this day.
"I am just an employee here. I didn't know that the students love me," he said. "I love everybody, and I pray that all students finish their studies and fulfill their wishes in life. I pray all the time."
