It’s World Kindness Day and the world can never have enough love and kindness, especially given the seemingly endless struggles the past year has presented.
It was Mister Rogers who famously said, “there are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. And the third way is to be kind.”
And in many ways, Niner Nation has been inspiring kindness all year long.
So, in honor of World Kindness Day, here are a few stories of Niners who, through their actions, are serving as a reminder that kindness matters now more than ever.
MORE THAN A MASK
What started as a homegrown effort between local students and UNC Charlotte faculty members transformed into a large-scale manufacturing group that delivered more than 38,000 protective face shields to healthcare workers at the beginning of the pandemic.
A CALMING PRESENCE IN TROUBLING TIMES
N.C. Emergency Management Director and UNC Charlotte alum Mike Sprayberry ’79, ’87 encouraged the population to be kind throughout the pandemic in his daily briefings.
“As always, don’t forget to look out for your family, friends and neighbors. And call your loved ones daily. I guarantee you they’ll appreciate it. With kindness and cooperation, we’ll all get through this together as one team, one mission and one family.”
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
Chancellor Sharon Gaber and Head Football Coach Will Healy recognized the kindness being displayed by Niner Nation through the diligent wearing of masks on campus by spreading their own joy.
‘I’M PROUD OF YOU’
To recognize First-Generation College Student Day, parents of three first-generation students surprised them with heartfelt letters expressing their love and support for being the first in their families to achieve the dream of a college education.
A FRIENDLY REMINDER
Kelley Earnhardt Miller ’94, co-owner and vice president of JR Motorsports, encourages kindness during an interview about her impact and influence on the motorsports industry.
“Just be kind. We have no idea what kindness can mean to people. We don’t know what people are going through on a daily basis behind closed doors. A quick smile, glance, opening a door, saying thank you, asking about their day, asking about their family…the smallest gesture of kindness can scream the loudest to someone that needs it!”
BECOMING THE CHANGE
Freshmen Kennedy Jeffers founded the World Changers Service Club and inspired kindness through her efforts to send reusable menstrual kits to girls in Kenya to make sure they didn’t miss school as a result of their menstrual cycle.
“All the projects within the club hold a special place because it was always a main goal for all the members in the club to really be action takers and difference makers, especially if we wanted to make change happen with the many social issues in our community and globally. But if I had to pick a favorite project, it would be Project Dignity, where we created reusable menstruation kits for teenage Kenyan girls.”
Kindness Scholarship
UNC Charlotte student David Hogg along with his younger brother understand the importance of helping others and have created the "Be Kind Scholarship" to inspire kindness.
“I think being kind is helping others when you don’t have to.”
Clearly, Niner Nation knows a thing or two about being kind.
So, wherever you are, how ever your day is going, remember to be kind to others and yourself. Happy World Kindness Day!
Photo of N.C. Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry is courtesy of Robert Willett, News & Observer