Acting with Kindness: A week of different acts of kindness

It’s not always easy to make time for nice gestures. From back-to-back practices to struggling through another overwhelming week of Canvas assignments, it’s hard to put others first — especially with no service hours to log or thank-you gifts to open in return as motivation. 

I’m by no means an angel sent from above, but unexpected acts of kindness are important to make others feel like they matter — and expecting something in return shouldn’t be a default thought. From a common courtesy like holding the door for a stranger to getting your hands dirty for volunteer work, it all matters. 

Heading into the last quarter of my senior year after spring break with dance competitions, assassins and college preparation, I knew I wasn’t going to be breezing through these last weeks. And if I wasn’t, surely other people in my life were feeling the same way. So, I challenged myself to do an above-average, nice deed for someone in my life, every day for one week — just because. 

They say food is a love language — but in the dance world, it’s a cold Celsius. With caffeinated energy and an addictive taste, these energy drinks are a staple for getting through a long night of rehearsals. I packed up four spare drinks I’d been saving for later in the week from my fridge and distributed them to some of the early-bird arrivals at dance that night. 

I know firsthand how much being given a Celsius brightens your day, so I knew how much it would mean to others. Though I was relatively hesitant going into the week of kindness, worried about how my friends would react or emptying my bank account, seeing their eyes light up with appreciation inspired me to make the most out of the rest of the week. 

With a not-so-costly start to my week on Monday, I switched gears for Tuesday — paying for a stranger’s order in the Starbucks drive-through. After ordering my go-to — and overpriced — $7 venti iced vanilla latte with almond milk, I drove up to the window and proudly told the barista I would like to pay for the car behind me. 

My smile faltered underneath my mask when she announced their total was $24.33. Though I’m not used to dropping over $30 at Starbucks with no Venmo in return, I had to keep reminding myself that was the whole point.

The societal expected response once your food is paid for is to continue the trend for those behind you. So while I can’t confirm that the Honda behind me was feeling generous, I can only hope I inspired them to do a good deed for the person behind them.

Taking a hit in my bank account from my acts of kindness the days before, I switched directions again for my third day — handwritten letters specifically. 

With my paper out, my colorful Paper Mate pens in hand and Criminal Minds queued up, I got to work, writing whatever came to mind. I expected it to be strenuous, but with no thesis, sources to reference or interviewing, I found it to be therapeutic. 

Sealing off my last letter, I got jittery as I anxiously awaited to mail them off to my friends. I could’ve used my free time for my missing AP Statistics homework by sending texts instead, but there’s something personal about a letter even Snapchat can’t beat. Though I won’t know their reactions until the mail is delivered, I can only hope they come on a day where they needed it the most.

Thursday was an impromptu cookie baking session in my kitchen for my family. We don’t keep desserts around often, despite the fact that my dad and sisters have the biggest sweet tooths, so it’s safe to say they enjoyed my sugar cookies. I don’t think I can say the cookies made their days entirely, but it was a nice thing to do considering how moody I can be around them after a long day.

I ended my acts of kindness on Friday with an event I had been collecting items for all week: a trip to Savers. Taking the biggest reusable bag I could find, I sorted through my massive accumulation of t-shirts, winter clothes and pieces I knew I would never wear again if I came across them throughout the week. 

In comparison to throwing these clothes away or letting them sit never worn in my sister’s closets, it was a reminder that there’s always another more eco-friendly option. The Savers worker thanked me for my donation with a smile, and it was then that I felt like my week had come full circle. 

This week was by no means difficult. If it made me realize anything, it’s that even the smallest gesture can make someone’s entire day. I can’t promise I’ll be able to go above and beyond like this every day, but I can’t deny I’m inspired to do more good.