A Kind of Love
by Eimy Sarduy, Junior, NEHS Liason, iPreparatory Academy

    Expressing kindness is one of the simplest things that a person can do, yet a lot of people seem to struggle with this daily. There are many ways to show someone kindness and most of them are done subconsciously. By simply paying attention to a presentation for Black History Month, you are showing kindness to both the person the presentation is about and the person giving the presentation. Celebrating Valentine’s Day also demonstrates kindness towards others since it essentially revolves around exchanging gifts and cards with sweet messages. As you can see, kindness can be expressed in many ways. 

Image Credit: Georgian Court University

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​    Have you ever wondered why every February we celebrate Black History Month? The first, and obvious, answer is that we want to celebrate important figures who improved their society to create the world we currently live in. However, we also celebrate it to show kindness and respect. By honoring the people who dedicated their lives to testifying against racism, we are honoring their sacrifices. Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams. All of them fought against injustices even though and because they were discriminated against. The kind and respectable thing to do is know a little about their history and learn from their example. 

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​    Kindness is so important that there’s a whole holiday dedicated to it. Valentine’s Day is only ever seen as a romantic holiday, but it’s more than that. It revolves around all kinds of love: a parent’s love for their child, a sibling’s love for their brother or sister, or a person’s love for their best friend. That’s the lesson that elementary teachers try to instill onto their students. They plan a Valentine’s Day card exchange with the whole class to show how kindness is reciprocated and rewarded. It’s a wonderful lesson, and the world would be a much better place if more grown-ups remembered it. 
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Image Credit: Hayden Homes Blog

Image Credit: Britannica

   
​    Fortunately, the lessons regarding the importance of friendship, which were enforced during elementary school, have not been forgotten. In fact there’s a day called Palentines, which is solely dedicated to the importance of close friendships. On February 13, Palentine’s Day, close friends have the chance to exchange valentines and gifts with their friends. In other words, this whole non-official holiday is dedicated to kindness. 

    What is love if not a form of kindness? Sure, some people do kind things for strangers like holding open a door, but, usually, when a person helps another, it’s because on some level they know and care about that person. For example, you show your parents you love them by helping them when they’re struggling. By doing something for them, you are showing your admiration and respect for them. And, they did the same with you when they packed your lunches and kissed every boo boo. So, how some people show kindness might not be obvious, but one way or another, every person has been shown kindness at least once in their lives.
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​    Showing kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s in every gesture, every word, every good intention. It’s everywhere. And, remember, kindness is one of those things that is repaid, not because it has to be, but because when you help someone, they will want to help you back to show that they are grateful to you. So, think back to the lessons in elementary, think back to that time on Valentine’s day when everyone was kind to each other, and, most of all, think about the last time you were truly kind to someone, and do it again.