Kindness by Hailee

Kindness by Hailee - November 2016 Scholarship Essay

In this giant, dismal world, one small beacon of light is kindness. It doesn’t matter if it’s kindness towards relatives, best friends, or strangers who look like they’re having a rough day in the grocery store; all kindness is needed and appreciated.
I believe in kindness to all because we never know. We never know what anyone is going through unless we live their life or see things through their eyes. A simple hello to a stranger walking on campus can brighten their day, and a kind smile can soften the hardships of life. I have had really bad days when I just need one little thing to go right or I might possibly go insane. Walking through the hallways of my high school, going from one stressful class to the next, I just want to see a kind face.
I believe in kindness to all because it makes me a better person. I let the little things go in order to be kind to everyone. For instance, the glares and judgemental stares from other girls can eat away at one’s soul, but I don’t let them get under my skin. What once bogged me down and hindered my happiness, no longer limits me. A giant burden was lifted from my shoulders when I realized what I needed to do was be compassionate towards everyone. This realization made me a better and happier person. By letting go of the little things, I try to understand people’s reasons for doing thoughtless deeds. There’s millions of reasons for every scenario, and millions of scenarios. The common thread in all of them is the possibility to be nice.
I believe in kindness to all because of karma. What goes around comes around. My mother always says to me “do to others as you wish to be done to you,” and I wish to be treated with compassion. There’s so many simple things we can do for others that would cheer their day up. Whether it be something small like a compliment, or something a little bigger like bringing the inspirational person in your life coffee. All kindness goes a long way, but it’s the small things that will really be remembered, and eventually returned.
It was only yesterday that I was walking through the OSU campus, the college that I happen to be planning to attend, to go get some food. I passed at least 50 people, and nearly everyone of them smiled at me. That's what I'm most excited about, feeling completely and totally at home there.
I believe in kindness to all because life is short. I don’t want to waste my precious time. I don’t want to waste my time worrying if that person likes me or not. I refuse to give them a reason not to like me. I would rather spend my time by spreading joy. Most importantly, at the end of the day, who will be by my side? It’ll be the people who have witnessed and shared in my kindness. It’ll be the people who understand that kindness to all is what makes them a human.