By Morgan Sparks and Pulse Staff

sparksm@findlay.edu

Being kind might occasionally feel like an afterthought in a world where college life can feel like a never-ending rush between coursework, jobs, and extracurriculars. However, tiny acts of kindness are having an influence at the University of Findlay.

“Kindness doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. A smile, a thank you, or few encouraging words can go a long way,” Alex Landis, senior animal science major at University of Findlay said.

Students and teachers alike are discovering ways to lead with empathy, whether it’s by sharing a meal after a game, offering a listening ear to a child in need, or just being there for someone else.

Landis says student mentors demonstrate kindness on campus and volunteering is another way to show kindness.

As a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team, Landis is excited about her own venture into volunteering and mentorship. This year she helped start a club to work with a mentoring program for kids called Children’s Mentoring Connections.

“We focus on building supportive, one-on-one mentoring relationships between college students and youth in the community,” Landis said. “Our goal is to provide encouragement, guidance, and a safe space for kids to grow.”

Dr. Steve Siegle in psychology and licensed professional counselor with Mayo Clinic Health Systems wrote of The Art of Kindness in August 2023.

“Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a hormone directly correlated with stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer,” Siegle said. “It also can be contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own generous deeds.”

Landis was recently on the receiving end when a teammate of hers offered her dinner with their family after a difficult game.

“They didn’t have to invite me, but they went out of their way to make sure I felt welcomed and apart of the family,” Landis said.

This moment shifted a new perspective for Landis. It altered how she thinks about small acts of kindness and inspired her leadership style as she takes on a new role with this program.

“It reminded me that kindness can be as simple as sharing a meal and creating a space for someone,” Landis said.

Her goal as the president of this organization is to encourage simple but meaningful experiences like ice cream outings, or just being present for a child.

“I try to give that kindness back by creating opportunities for those connections to happen,” Landis said. She’s hoping others will be open to making those connections.

“If people are interested in the club, they can email me at landisa@findlay.edu,” Landis said.

*If you have a story of kindness to share please send your idea and information to rogan@findlay.edu with Find the Kind in the subject line.