2008 Woodie Awards
Editorial: A little more kindness, s'il vous plait
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Editorial/Opinion
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10/31/07 - In today's fast-paced society, the simple things in life are often overlooked. People tend to be wrapped up in their own little worlds. Most days it's not uncommon to see students rushing to class with iPods blaring or cell phones jammed up against ears.
With common courtesies, like saying hello or holding a door for someone on the verge of extinction, it is important we remember our actions impact not only ourselves, but also those who surround us.
Take Helen Plummer, an employee at the CVS in the Kingston Emporium, for example. Plummer is known for wishing students to "have an excellent." Just, "an excellent." You fill in the blank. There's no telling how many people have perked up after hearing her trademark three simple words.
Often students can forget that little efforts can go a long way.
Plummer's benevolence toward her customers, students in particular, should serve to exemplify that each one of us can change the world with the slightest gesture.
Philosopher Aesop once said that, "no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."
And he's right. Every person has the ability to impact someone's life, so why is it that people are so seldom taking advantage of this?
Fighting each other for parking spots or badmouthing those with different perspectives are petty actions in retrospect. Rushing past without saying "excuse me" or shooting nasty glances can turn students against each other. A slight misunderstanding can evolve into an exchange of insulting gestures and offensive language. And in the long run, these actions are fruitless.
Instead, students should focus on doing things that will make a difference. Asking someone how his or her day is going or using criticism constructively, and remembering to say "thank you" are simple ways of making our campus a friendlier place. When added up, all the tiny efforts make a big difference.
Kindness though, should not be limited to just those we are familiar with. Strangers can benefit from selfless acts as well. Participate in food and clothing drives. Lend your talents to volunteer programs.
All of us can contribute somehow. Society needs to step out of their bubbles, introduce themselves to one another and work together to make our world a better place. There is no easier way to do this than by practicing random acts of kindness.
So take the headphones off, say hello to your peers in passing and walk away with the satisfaction that you may have just made someone's day.
And while you're at it, "have an excellent."
With common courtesies, like saying hello or holding a door for someone on the verge of extinction, it is important we remember our actions impact not only ourselves, but also those who surround us.
Take Helen Plummer, an employee at the CVS in the Kingston Emporium, for example. Plummer is known for wishing students to "have an excellent." Just, "an excellent." You fill in the blank. There's no telling how many people have perked up after hearing her trademark three simple words.
Often students can forget that little efforts can go a long way.
Plummer's benevolence toward her customers, students in particular, should serve to exemplify that each one of us can change the world with the slightest gesture.
Philosopher Aesop once said that, "no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."
And he's right. Every person has the ability to impact someone's life, so why is it that people are so seldom taking advantage of this?
Fighting each other for parking spots or badmouthing those with different perspectives are petty actions in retrospect. Rushing past without saying "excuse me" or shooting nasty glances can turn students against each other. A slight misunderstanding can evolve into an exchange of insulting gestures and offensive language. And in the long run, these actions are fruitless.
Instead, students should focus on doing things that will make a difference. Asking someone how his or her day is going or using criticism constructively, and remembering to say "thank you" are simple ways of making our campus a friendlier place. When added up, all the tiny efforts make a big difference.
Kindness though, should not be limited to just those we are familiar with. Strangers can benefit from selfless acts as well. Participate in food and clothing drives. Lend your talents to volunteer programs.
All of us can contribute somehow. Society needs to step out of their bubbles, introduce themselves to one another and work together to make our world a better place. There is no easier way to do this than by practicing random acts of kindness.
So take the headphones off, say hello to your peers in passing and walk away with the satisfaction that you may have just made someone's day.
And while you're at it, "have an excellent."