University of Sioux Falls students participate in World Kindness Day

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - This Friday is recognized as World Kindness Day, a time for both big and small acts to bring positive human connection. A class of college students in Sioux Falls is participating in the holiday in their own special way.

A little bit of kindness can go a long way. You’ve heard it before, but it truly creates a ripple effect. A positive impact may have been the inspiration for some students to get into a career field in the first place.

A person’s identity is wrapped up in more than an occupation. It’s in human connection.

At the University of Sioux Falls, students are being prepared to enter the workforce. Assistant Professor of Education Lisa Riddle’s Human Relations class is learning to do so in light of the university’s motto: Culture for Service.

“I think we can always do with more kindness in the world,” Riddle said. “When I think of World Kindness Day, it’s just an opportunity to hopefully show what we’re practicing in everyday life, but being meaningful about it.”

World Kindness Day was an opportunity they wouldn’t miss. It’s observed every year on November 13, but on Tuesday they worked on a number of ways to spread kindness throughout the week.

They started with efforts to make people smile at the university by painting rocks or writing encouraging messages to be hidden around campus. Next, they turned their attention away from campus and into the community by sending emails to teachers who have made an impact in their lives and writing thank-you notes to be sent out later in the week.

Riddle said there have been variations of the tradition to spread kindness over the years, but this year, the Fredrikson School of Education wanted to go a step further.

The recipients of most of the thank-you notes will be two local elementary schools, Lowell and Susan B. Anthony. Their kind words will be read by bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, secretaries, teachers or paraprofessionals. Some of these students will one day be colleagues with the recipient.

Students like Aubrie Lang, a Sophomore Elementary Education major from Harrisburg, used their writing to remind staff at the elementary schools of the impact they have on the next generation. The recipients will hear from someone who may remind them of a past version of themselves.

“I feel like that’s really neat being able to recognize those teachers and let them know that we do appreciate them and that what they’re doing is not going unrecognized,” Lang explained.

“This is just a good opportunity to make sure that they know what you do really does make a difference,” Riddle said.

We are more than the occupation we have. We’re remembered for how we make others feel, and these students see a future where their classroom can be where kindness thrives.

“Looking back at my childhood experiences, having those teachers that were my light helped tremendously get me through school,” Lang recalled. “I just want to be the teacher that the students look up to. I just want to be the light in somebody’s eyes and help them grow.”

The thank-you notes will be delivered on Friday to both schools. USF faculty hope kindness catches on in Sioux Falls.