Many teachers and students wore cardigans Wednesday for World Kindness Day and in honor of Mr. Rogers. Students shared stories of the ways people’s kindness has had an impact on their lives. One of those students was Jackson Oliver, who wore his grandfather’s cardigan to school.
“I was 8 when my grandfather died,” Oliver said. “I don’t remember a whole lot about him, but I remember we would crawl into his lap for naps. And we loved telling him things.”
Jackson got a new pocket knife one day and couldn’t wait to share the news with his grandfather. He then learned that his grandfather had died that day. The memory of that immediate sense of loss is still with him. He didn’t get to tell him what he so badly wanted to tell him. Too often, that is the case.
But what is also still with Jackson are the stories of his grandfather’s kindness. His grandfather, Rev. Don Dodge, was a Methodist minister who touched many lives. As Jackson wrapped his grandfather’s cardigan more tightly around himself, he said, “This is the first time I’ve ever worn this. It’s really soft and warm.”
Soft and warm, like a grandfather’s embrace.
Perhaps kindness is the greatest legacy that anyone leaves on this earth.
Read more about the ways kindness touched the lives of NHS students in this collection of vignettes.
“Life is stressful and full of struggle. It soaks energy from everyone, leaving us all exhausted, which is why it is admirable when people can muster a smile or a heartfelt hello. An influential figure in my life is Mrs. Thomas, my English professor. She is incredibly patient and comforting. She radiates kindness towards everyone. When life throws me for a loop and breaks me down, she takes time out of her day to put all my pieces back together and be a mother to me. She’ll put my hair behind my ears, hug and hold me, and dry my tears with her own sleeve. She even made and gave me tea one time! She provides a homey and safe space within her classroom for me. Not only does she care for me when life knocks me out of the ring, but she talks to me, motivates and pushes me to get back in for another round. Mrs. Thomas has been the sun in my sky and my cloud-breaker for as long as I’ve had the pleasure and deepest gratitude of knowing her. She’s lovely and truly makes a difference in my life every day. Throughout high school I’ve been blessed with other kind and influential teachers. They are Carrie Scroggins, Mrs. Moses and Coach Moody. These teachers are beloved to me and truly help me to understand what it means to care and to love. They have shown me the strength of kindness and how it can save lives and help everyone. My coach, Carrie Scroggins, would always say her favorite quote was by Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Sydney Rankin, Senior
“A person who impacted my life was my friend/classmate, Ace Denby, who passed away a couple of months ago. The way he impacted my life, was every day he would hide what he was going through by smiling and laughing. Every day he would shake my hand and say “wassup.” We would talk, and he would talk to everybody. He did this every single day since the sixth grade. He would shake my hand, and you would never know what was on his mind.” – Jordan Horton, Senior
“My younger sister, Anik, impacts me every day. High school is so stressful. I cry so much over it. She shows me how to never give up. I struggle because I’m a little behind in my grade, and I feel like I don’t belong anywhere. Another person who impacted me is my mother. Even though she isn’t alive, she reminds me that life isn’t easy and I need to keep pushing. Everything I do is for her.” – Janesha Swindle, Senior
“The kindest person to me, and the most memorable act of kindness, was my teacher in fourth grade. She was the best teacher and my favorite one to this day. My financial situation wasn’t that great then, and my family was struggling. My teacher gave me clothes. Her own daughter’s clothing, she gave to me. Some days throughout the week she would also send me home with snacks. She made sure I was clothed and fed and that wasn’t even her job. I really appreciate her acts to this day, and I aspire to be a teacher just because of how she impacted me.” – Isabel Santoyo, Senior
“Mrs. Haveman impacts me every day. She is always so sweet and kind. Mrs. Haveman always makes my day better. When I have a bad day I always look forward to seeing her. She is like a ray of sunshine in my life. Mrs. Haveman always makes English fun, no matter how rough her day is. I’m so lucky I got her as a teacher this year.” – Salina Kilmer, Sophomore
“Someone who has impacted my life greatly is my soccer/cross country coach, Coach Fuentes. He has a gift and knows how to coach really well. He gives his players a personal touch in the heart that I’ve never seen before.” – Gustavo Castro, Junior
“A person who impacted my life with kindness is my sister. She showed me that being kind to people can make you feel good about yourself. The person you are being kind to can be having a bad day, and you can make their day better. She taught me that being kind is important and affects many people.” – Yarely Ortiz, Junior
“A person who impacted me with their kindness was my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. McKnight. She would always have a smile on her face and always stayed positive, no matter what situation she was in. She also saw Mr. Rogers as a little girl, and she said Mr. Rogers taught her to love yourself and always be happy.” – Ketzia Hernandez, Junior
“My English teacher, Mrs. Haveman, impacts me every day with her kindness. She is always encouraging me and my curiosity. Mrs. Heron is another person who impacted me. She always showed me that pushing through the day, no matter how hard it is, is always worth it whenever it comes to art.” – Ryleigh Swann, Sophomore
“The person who impacted me with their kindness was my great-grandma. She would watch out for me when my mom wasn’t home. She’d make food for me even when I wasn’t hungry.” – Aniya Scott, Junior
“Someone who impacted me with their kindness is my friend, Kimberly Phou. She is a very nice person to everyone, even if they are being annoying. She made me realize that being a nice person isn’t bad, but it does have its limits. She is a caring person and is always there when you need something or someone to talk to. She even carries Band-aids in case someone has a small injury.” – Jade Vivas, Junior
“My cousin has impacted my life with her kindness. She has always been there to help me and always wants what’s best for me. She has looked out for me along with her six children. She has always tried to help me through my problems and through my everyday life. She treats me as one of her own children, and I greatly appreciate everything she does for me.” – Amber Dill, Sophomore
“Jonathan impacted my life through loving and kindness. He proved to me there is more to life when everything is going bad. He told me to always stay positive and never let the negativity get to you. I appreciate him for everything he has done for me and my friends.” – Joseph Flores, Junior
“My mom has impacted me. She taught me to look at the positive things in life and help others. Being nice will help someone, and helping feels good. She always has been nice to me and supported and helped me, and I’ve seen how it’s helpful and feels good.” – Jonathan Arreola, Junior
“My friend Gabe Giudici is one of the best people I know. He’s just a quality human being. He’s kind to everybody, and being around him makes me want to be better. Gabe is one of those rare people that naturally brings people up instead of putting them down.” – Charles Coursey, Junior
“Someone who has impacted me with their kindness is my girlfriend. Without her, I wouldn’t be who I am now. She’s taught me lots of things.” – Javier Esquivel, Junior
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