Kindness Matters by Kathryn

Kindness Matters by Kathryn - November 2019 Scholarship Essay

There are many ways that someone can make an impact on the lives of others. When reflecting on my own impact made during the time I spent in high school, images of the smiles and laughter of my peers and teachers present themselves. In a society that often values forward initiative and extroverted leadership, small acts of kindness can often be overlooked and undervalued.

High school offers many different experiences, they can be pleasant or stressful, and often both. Small scale support of peers and teachers can often have an unrealized impact. Students are dealing with undisclosed stressors and teachers are often forgotten by students to be people as well, also in need of affirmation and support. When kindness is not the most self-serving action is also often when it is needed the most. Throughout my experience, as a high school student, I believe that the impact I left was measured by the spirit of kindness, positivity, and inclusiveness I helped to foster in those around me.

At the end of my final year in high school, I was shocked to see how many peers, who I had not had the time to get to know well, wrote stories to the effect of how I had brightened their days with my smile and positivity. This made me take notice -- and decide to mindfully continue efforts of these kinds, which has had a tremendous impact on my life as well. On several occasions, I received similar comments from my teachers and coaches -- and on one occasion received a beautifully handwritten thank you card from an assistant teacher for showing them so much kindness and support throughout their time at the school-- which had been quite hard for them.

I may not have had the opportunities to make a difference at my high school through student leadership or projects demonstrating budding craftsmanship, but I believe that I made a lasting difference in the experiences and mindsets of my peers and teachers. In a world that can often make us feel isolated and obsolete, freely given support and kindness has an important impact on us all.