The power of kindness

by Lillian Kopia

Many people underestimate the power of kindness, yet research shows that small acts, whether a smile, a compliment, or a friendly chat can make profound differences in people’s lives.

And for a good reason. 

Studies have found that kindness improves mental health and overall well-being, while also strengthening physical health, lowering stress, and fostering a stronger sense of connection. 

Everyone has their own story to tell.

Gabe Van Hoy

23, Senior at The College of Charleston

“My father really sacrificed a lot for me and the rest of our family," Van Hoy said. "He made sure everyone in his life was taken care of. For several years, he didn’t even have a formal job because he was doing so much for everyone around him.”

To Van Hoy, his father’s actions weren’t just big moments, they were consistent, everyday choices that shaped the way he grew up, quietly teaching the value of putting others first.

“There are a lot of things about my father, some good, some bad, but one thing for sure is that he always puts others’ needs before his own, especially for the people he loves," Van Hoy said. "That’s always stuck with me and set an example for how I try to treat my own friends and family.”

As he talked about his father's selflessness, it was clear the memories held a lasting impact, influencing the way he approaches kindness in his own life.

“The more I look back on it, the more I realize how impressive it was," he said. "The level of self-sacrifice he maintained. It definitely took a toll on his mental and physical health, but he never stopped showing up for us.”

Bob Algered

34, Company Investor

“My biological father died when I was 3 from a heart attack. He was seemingly healthy. I grew up in a great household. My mom got remarried when I was young, like 5 or 6. My stepfamily accepted me. I still felt like this void without my dad. My stepfather stepped into that role to provide me discipline and things that a good dad should do.”

When he talked about his childhood, it was clear that his stepfather’s kindness had a huge impact on him, shaping not just his upbringing but the way he viewed support and care from others.

“My wife is the most impactful person that I've had in my life," he said. "If you believe in purpose then I think throughout our lives that God will put people in our lives for a reason.”

That sense of connection only deepened as his life continued, especially when he and his wife welcomed their first child.

“Where my faith came in was when we had our first son. I can’t even put it into words. I felt like this whole void of life without my biological father was filled. You look at your wife in that moment and feel like this is such a blessing, without her I wouldn't have this child who is now giving me life.” 

It wasn’t a deliberate act of kindness, but rather the natural course of his life.

Yet it filled a space he had carried for decades, showing how love and presence can heal even the deepest gaps over time.

Katie Emory

25, ski instructor

“My best friend’s parents in high school were always incredibly nice to me. I spent the night at their house all the time. They paid for my SATs, helped me learn how to file taxes for my first job. It was just small but really meaningful things. They were so kind and generous.”

“Once, they even baked me a birthday cake and brought it upstairs. Calista said, “My dad never comes upstairs,” because his bedroom and the kitchen were downstairs, so it meant a lot for him to do that for me.”

Those everyday moments created a sense of comfort that she didn’t always have at home.

“Her mom taught us how to cook; her dad watched movies with me. They were just very kind people.”

Acts of goodness can lift moods, lower stress, and foster a sense of connection. 

Katie spoke about how she still misses the homemade enchiladas today, a reminder of how small comforts can stay with a person long after the moment has passed.

“It made me form some unhealthy dynamics with friends because I was young and relied on them for things, which created some imbalance. But with her parents, it was different, it was safe and genuine. And now, I think it made me want to be kinder, because I know how much that sort of thing means.”

Even though they’re no longer friends, the kindness Calista’s family showed her still stays with Katie and encourages her to extend kindness to people she might normally hold back from.

Annabel Chauvin 

21, Junior at The College of Charleston

“One time I was going through a car wash and then the man that was taking my payment information for the car wash said that my card kept declining. He said not to worry about it and paid for me to get the most expensive service.”

Even though it wasn’t completely selfless, the moment still stuck with her, showing how unexpected kindness can catch us off guard.

"He did try to ask me on a date and he was like 50 but now I always go back to that car wash, because I’ll never forget how kind this gentleman was and I want to support his company.”

Simple gestures can boost self-esteem, release “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin.

James Dublin 

27, Bartener at Frontier Lounge

“I started college at ODU. It was so fun. Too much fun. It was actually insane. I was flunking out badly. So my mom was like, you should probably move closer to us. I transferred to College of Charleston, and that was going pretty good, honestly. I probably would have finished there, but I got into really bad trouble and was expelled.”

Life can take you in different directions, and sometimes the hardest turns become the ones that teach us the most.

“I was pissed off at myself and the situation. I was mad. So I was like, fuck it. I'm just not gonna finish school. I kind of felt that way for a year and a half.”

Engaging in kind behaviors can lead to improved health outcomes and a more positive outlook on life.

When the future feels heavy, even a single source of inspiration can pull someone back toward hope.

“I started dating this girl that was in law school, and I was just working. Seeing her take classes, I decided that I wanted to go back to school. I signed up for Trident last fall, and I’ll be done in May. I think without seeing how motivated she was that I wouldn't have chosen to go back to college.

Her dedication became a reminder that growth is still possible, even when someone feels stuck.

"Getting expelled really put a toll on my mental health, but I was able to bounce back. I am still suffering the consequences and I'm still working on finishing my community service, but that was the biggest lesson I have ever learned in life and I am proud of myself.”

Kindness looks different for everyone

But no matter the way it happens, its impact is universal.

Each story, short or long, showed how moments of joy can linger in someone’s life and become something they carry with them.

These acts didn’t require grand gestures, they required intention. 

Maybe that’s the real power of kindness: it reminds us that even the simplest actions can shape a life, sometimes quietly, but always meaningfully.