Random act of kindness

L-R Amanda Amores, Jessaline Cardenas, Crystal Rivera and Tamaria Gonzalez

BY DEXTER MCCREE, Feature Writer

ST. PETERSBURG — Oh, how wonderful it is when the day goes as expected and everyone present themselves favorably and kind. However, so much can go awry in the course of a day that will challenge the peace that we so desire to enjoy.

The morning plans of an early start can be disrupted by a delayed alarm clock causing hurried speed rather than the cruising to work. Then, of course, this would be the day where the kids are in a slow hurry to get dressed, eat breakfast and move out the door to get to school. “Why don’t they come on,” you think.

Theresa Kim Solitaire

Theresa Kim Solitaire, peer mediation instructor at Northeast High School, understands this kind of day and how it affects people’s attitude towards one another. In her peer mediation class students are asked what things resonate with them, what things matters to them, what are some of the issues at school and how can they help solve them and make for a more positive environment?

“There is a lot of stress on the campus and it is a common denominator for both students and teachers,” said Solitaire.

Students are addressing this by doing random acts of kindness, which are good gestures that are completely unexpected.  She explained that it creates a positive moment for the recipients as well as making the giver feel warm inside.

Her class is divided into various groups with each one displaying different acts of random kindness. One group led by Tamaria Gonzalez, a senior at Northeast High, created medallions with quotes designed to bring an uplifting moment to the day for administrators, teachers and students.

The medallions are accompanied with candy to provide an extra sweet moment. Positive messages are also hung on the door of the classroom. It’s all designed to randomly bring light to one’s day.

“We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us,” said Gonzalez, quoting one of the messages given on this day from renowned author A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. “When the world says, ‘Give up,’ hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’”

These random acts of kindness and motivating words serve as high inspiration on the campus.

Indeed, much can go awry in the course of a day. Oh, how wonderful it is when random acts of kindness are brought our way on medallions and posters with encouraging and motivating words. For instance, “If plan “A” didn’t work, remember that the alphabet has 25 more letters.”

That’s encouraging!