Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about, so always choose kindness. Before jumping to conclusions you should always consider what that person may be going through. Being understanding and kind to others is the key to developing a more positive outlook on the world around you. A simple act of kindness can go a long way and can spread positivity farther than you know. Being understanding and kind is critical for educators in all areas. Teachers can choose to be understanding towards a student who may not be doing well in class by providing them opportunities to do better, while other teachers may deem them a troubled student without knowing what they are battling. The same applies to students, they need to understand the importance of spreading kindness not only to their classmates, but everyone else in their lives as well.

Growing up my family experienced many trials, through these trials we would always choose to find the silver linings. My mom would say "Its always an adventure", which reminded us that perspective is everything and we could choose whether or not to embrace the world with a positive lens rather than a negative one. Although a positive perspective is important, there is a difference between positivity and toxic positivity. You should never force yourself into believing that everything is okay because you do not want to ask for help. It is still okay to feel sad or angry, so do not confuse a positive outlook with pretending that everything is okay all of the time. A positive outlook is knowing that you will be able to overcome the challenges you face, it doesn't mean that the challenges you face are not hard and do not allow for negative emotions. I think a positive outlook is something that every student should learn how to develop in order to figure out ways to find confidence within themselves to overcome obstacles they face throughout life.

It can be tempting to only feel motivated to give when you know you are going to receive. Whether that means give your time for money or give your kindness for recognition. Although it seems hard to give without gaining anything in return, I think it is very important to do so. It is so rewarding to spread positivity and light throughout the world, even if you earn nothing in return. I think learning to give without receiving is important for teachers and students alike. There are going to be many situations where you can choose to give your time, knowledge, effort, and more without gaining anything in return. I think it is key to understand that although you may not be receiving something, it is extremely rewarding to know that you have helped someone. Here is a quote that I really enjoy that reflects this concept:

"Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are." - Harold S. Kushner