Random acts of kindness spread devotion and positivity. They present an alternative in a world where hate and division are often normalized. It’s an act that can be as simple as helping someone out, volunteering in soup kitchens, or showing appreciation by sharing straightforward compliments. The act of kindness is free, but its power can change one’s perspective on life’s purpose. Behind every initial gesture is a movement toward change in our society.

To explore the effect of kindness, I interviewed two students with powerful stories; Senior Theresa Crowe and Junior Vega Nischan. They both shared life-changing moments made possible by strangers who chose compassion.

Nishcan’s car broke down while she was having lunch with two friends. Instead of being stranded, many gathered around to help her and her friends out. Nishcan expresses, “It was a scary moment, but I will forever be grateful to be around the people who helped me because the situation would have played out differently if they hadn’t.” She addresses how relieved she was after getting the help she needed. “It shows that kindness costs nothing and can positively impact someone’s day. Showing how vital it is to help others in need.” Her experience is a reminder that the slightest deeds of empathy can take such a toll on one day and encourage empathy towards one another.

Nischan’s experience shows how one can make such a difference by simply being kind, and willing to help. Still, there doesn’t need to be a drastic circumstance to help someone out and bring kindness to one’s life. Provided by the Random Acts Of Kindness Foundation, acts such as visiting your local library and donating a book or writing a handwritten letter and mailing it to a stranger can have a flattering impact on our world. The small things in life are the moments that often are overlooked but move us profoundly in the greatest way.

Moving on to the next story, Crowe shares a time when the action was so simple yet significant to her. Crowe says, “One time I was carrying groceries; I was parked far away, and it was raining and thundering. But as I was carrying all of the bags, they ripped because they were soaked. Kind of bummed me out. But this kind man came over and helped me carry the groceries to my car.” So easy, but meaningful. She says “ I was already having a rough day, and that simple gesture made my whole day despite how small it was.” Crowe’s experience shows that small acts can carry great meaning, specifically when needed.

Here are some inspiring ideas for random acts of kindness, sourced from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. These thoughtful gestures can brighten anyone’s day, whether they come from a stranger or a loved one.

Consider these examples from the Mental Health Foundation the next time you want to brighten someone’s day.

For strangers: Brighten someone’s day by paying for their meal. Offer a meaningful compliment about their smile, personality, or outfit in some cases. Hold the door for others, and give a friendly smile as you pass by them. These small acts can truly promote pay for the meal of the person behind you in line, compliment someone (outfit, smile, personality), hold the door open for them, smile at them as you walk by, and leave a meaningful note on a public bench for everyone to read. That can be aiming to be compassionate and wanting to learn from mistakes.

For friends and family: Suprise them with their favorite drink or treat. Run errands to help them out. Help them with chores and show that you are listening to them. And help them by bringing in the groceries on a rainy day.

Choosing kindness isn’t always the easiest thing to do or the first thing that comes to mind, because it’s easy to be hooked up in our troubles and day-to-day pressures. When we choose kindness, things start to change for the better because we begin to see people as individuals with their own stories, struggles, and joys. In a disunited world, exist to be the one that breaks stereotypes through kindness. Decide to be the light that others need, because in the end; “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. -Aesop