BYU-Idaho students were given the chance to lend a helping hand during the last two weeks by turning a malicious act into an opportunity to serve.

The opportunity arose as Ki Bae, a sophomore from South Korea, set out for his early-morning job on Oct. 27 to find his tires slashed and a swear word written on one of the windows of his car—a complete surprise to Bae, who said he is unaware of having any enemies.

He reported the incident to the police who followed up and are currently investigating.

As Bae went to class that same morning, he told his automotive professor Kevin Steggell what had happened. Steggell said that Bae asked him how far he could drive on flat tires. “He was very downtrodden,” Steggell said.

Steggell mentioned the incident to his class. Afterwards, a student donated a $50 bill and other students began contributing.

Most of the repair expenses were covered, and Les Schwab Tire Center even gave Bae a good deal on new tires, Steggell said. Some of the students went to Bae’s apartment building and helped put the new tires on.

Steggell said he was touched by the outpouring of help the students gave. He noted that some of the students contributing were married and probably financially strapped themselves.

“It’s wonderful to see the other end of the whole situation,” Steggell said.

When members of Bae’s student ward heard what happened, they collected money and additionally expressed to him their support. Mike Peterson, the bishop of Bae’s ward, said that their intention was to make sure Bae knew that this was not what BYU-I represented and wanted to make sure he felt welcome.

Bae said the help completely altered his attitude, making him feel extremely good after a sickening experience. He wished to express his thanks to all those who helped him.

Rexburg police have still not been able to attach a definite motive or identify the perpetrator(s), though they do have suspects. Captain Randy Lewis of the Rexburg Police said there is no evidence of racial motivation. He asked for people with knowledge of this incident to contribute either by telephone or online at the Cyber Tips link at www.rexburg.org.