Substitute Teacher Living In Car Gets Life-Changing Surprise From Student

When a student discovered his former substitute teacher was living out of his car, he decided to give him a birthday gift that would change his life.

Steven Nava was heading to work when he noticed a man going through the trunk of his car in the parking lot of a senior center.

"Throughout the day, I was just thinking, 'Wait, wait, wait, I think that's my substitute teacher,'" he told CNN.

After realizing that it was Jose Villarruel, also known as Mr. V to his students, Nava helped start a GoFundMe campaign for him.

The substitute teacher from Fontana, California, turned 77 on March 11 and was given a birthday surprise he would have never expected.

After a week of donations, and a viral TikTok about his situation, Nava was able to present a check for $27,000 to Mr. V on his birthday.

"From the bottom of my heart, I just had to resort to all of my self-control not to become sentimental about the whole thing and not to become nervous," Villarruel told CNN. "It was extremely exciting, totally unexpected, and great."

Villarruel has been living in his car for the past eight years while working as a substitute teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District, according to CNN.

When the pandemic hit and classes went remote, the need for substitute teachers disappeared. Villarruel applied to get ahold of his retirement funds to make it through the year.

Nava and Villarruel keep in touch daily and Nava told CNN he's enjoyed being able to help his teacher get back on his feet.

"Teachers play a huge part in our lives," said Nava. "I felt like I needed to repay the favor."

Villarruel told CNN he's trying to come to terms with his new reality and is planning to take a trip to Mexico to visit his family.

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