Something about a random compliment or a helping hand finds its way to warm our hearts. But looking closer; why are kind acts random? Why is there such a sparsity for them? When it came time to test this idea, the answer became clear. 

November is Random Acts of Kindness Month, and while attempting to choose a social experiment, it turns out that kindness is not as effortless as I expected. Trials and errors taught me something important: sometimes, kindness needs a “spark”. After trying a few pay it forwards and compliment-giving strategies, I found it. While sorting through student-made kindness cards, I noticed a trend of giving out snacks, water bottles, and small kudos.  

That gave me an idea. 

Every day on my walk home, I pass by a homeless woman named Griffith who tells me, “Thank you for going to school today.” It’s a simple phrase, but her words are different; more sincere than when my family or teachers say it. Her words meant something because I knew she was wishing someone could be saying it to her instead. I decided to give that kindness back. I stopped at Target, bought her some bread, clothes, and a card, and gave them to her with a simple thank you in return. A few days later, I saw her again.  

She recognized me out of uniform and said, “I finished all the bread and danced in the pretty dress you gave me.”  

That moment grounded me. Her genuine joy made me feel anything but random. When I went back to capture a few pictures with her, Griffith told me that she kept the card I wrote to her. She thanked me for the nutrients and for going to school once again. It is incredible that I was so fortunate and got to make a new friend. With what little I can, I take extra food after work and drive around delivering bags to whoever I can find. What is an everyday privilege to me is a meaningful act of kindness to others in need. I feel silly getting blessed and thanked for stale food and watery soda, but I know that is the farthest thought from their minds when they open the full bags. 

Inspired by that same idea, I tried another method of generating goodwill. I work at a place near Lamar, and I often see students come in on earlier weekdays. Knowing how exhausting school can be, I started giving a surprise to any student who came through, claiming to my boss “they need a friends and family discount.” Their reactions were grateful smiles, double takes, and a few new friendships. I started to realize something memorable: kindness, even in the smallest forms, lingers.  

This experience opened the door to a more spontaneous form of kindness. One small tradition I have accidentally started over the past year is singing “Happy Birthday” to strangers. It began with a little girl in the park, then an elderly customer at work. Before I knew it, I was singing it at school as well. People started giving me treats and hugs in return. During Spirit Week, a girl stopped me for a picture. “You’re the one who sang me happy birthday.” We laughed. That moment, like so many others, became a shared memory and my proof that kindness creates connection. 

What started as a school experiment quickly turned into something significantly more personal. I did not merely see kindness; I felt it. And the further I gave, the further I wanted to keep giving. The “random” acts began to feel less unplanned and more natural.  

So once again I ask: why is there such a sparsity of kind acts? A lot of the time kind acts are random because that’s when they matter. I have come to understand that life is a lot less serious than we make it out to be. It is messy, unpredictable, and often overwhelming, but a little kindness — even if it’s simply one gesture, one compliment, or one moment of connection — can cut through all that negativity and remind someone that they are seen. Often, it will come back to you just when you need it. 

No matter how big an act is, kindness can always find room in our lives. When you try even a little, you can spread it yourself. Kindness does not need to be major or planned. The best kindness is the one which comes to us naturally.