How This Dairy Queen Boss Helped Her Employee Become a Doctor

Nabiha Islam may be a doctor now, but it was only a few short years ago that she was a college student working at Dairy Queen.

Islam, a recent medical school graduate, decided to send a thank-you note to her former boss, Yvonne Lavasidis, for her support during her education:

Dear Yvonne,

Well, I’m a doctor now! It’s taken me a long time, I know, to come back around to Dairy Queen but I have thought of you and your kindness often. You are an incredible boss and an even better human being. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me, for BBQing halal chicken for me, and allowing me to study for my MCAT’s in the back when no customers were around.

Much love,

Nabiha

TRENDING ARTICLES

Lavasidis was brought to tears by the note.

“Obviously I was so very touched,” Lavasidis told ABC News. “I was in tears when I read the note for the first time, and every time I read it, it still brings tears to my eyes.”

Lavasidis remembers Islam as a bright student and “one of those kids that you know will be exceptional and find success,” according to Fox News.

Lavasidis’ husband George shared the letter online, and it quickly went viral.

“It’s so lovely for me because really it was just a note between two people,”said Lavasidis. “Everyone’s response and reaction to it is very nice to see.”

A former employee of a Markham, ON Dairy Queens wrote this heartwarming note to her boss: http://t.co/QBB14m1Ukt pic.twitter.com/iPNmVAYLsE

— BuzzFeed Canada (@BuzzFeedCanada) September 25, 2014

Lavasidis owns a Dairy Queen franchise in Markham, Ontario, Canada along with her husband and brother. She said that she seeks to create a “fun, supportive working environment” for her staff.

“We’re all university grads and we know what it’s like to be a student,” Lavasidis told NBC News. “It can be difficult to manage life, school, and a part-time job to contribute to your family’s income or help pay the bills. We like to create a positive environment. When they have exams, papers, tests, sometimes we help them study or give them days off when they need it. We try to be flexible that way.”

Lavasidis is also known for making barbeque and throwing parties for her staff.