by Karen Greenberg

Created on: March 10, 2009   Last Updated: March 30, 2011

All act of kindness are healthy. Being kind increases confidence and hope, and improves the world around us. Acts of kindness can be as small as holding the door open or as large as volunteering on a regular basis.

Recently, I saw a child in need and offered my assistance even though I thought I couldn't fit another event into my busy schedule. I would tutor my first-grade neighbor for a minimum of two weeks. If that worked out, I would continue through the end of this school year. My passion for education would not allow this little girl to continue on as she had been- earning failing grades, misbehaving in school, and possessing poor study skills. The first week was exciting for both the student and me. The second week was a little more rough, as she finally figured out that I was not playing around but wanted to get down to business. We are now entering the fourth week working together.

The subject of spelling was the area in which the child needed the most help, so I decided to start there. In previous weeks the girl would get one or two words right out of ten. My goal was to bring that number up to seven on a regular basis. Yesterday, I got the best news I could hope for. The score from last Friday's test was an eight out of ten. Success in just three short weeks of tutoring!

I tell this story not to brag about my achievements, but to share how a small act of kindness has affected a whole group of people. The little girl I tutor has more faith in herself. Her teacher reported the change over the past few weeks has been noticeable and remarkable. The child now looks forward to attending class and no longer convinces herself she is too ill to sit through the school day.

I am now certain of the plan I have for my life. I AM a teacher, and I know I will be a good one. I didn't set out to find this happiness. I was just trying to be kind to a neighbor.

We each have opportunities to make the world a better place. Perhaps you have an elderly couple living near you who would benefit from a beautiful flower garden being planted. Maybe a co-worker needs a ride to work next week, and you can help even if it is out of your way and would take extra time. Every day we are presented with chances to help. You never know when a little act of kindness can change a life!

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