Would You Like a Side of Kindness With That?

I normally consider myself a kind person, but as I worked at the gate of the NDNU soccer game last week I promised myself I would work harder to be an even kinder person. Almost every single adult entering to watch the game gave up a few minutes of their day to have a small conversation with me. It was nice meeting and talking to everyone who came out for it helped me pass the time. By being kind and outgoing I became more approachable. Parents from the visiting team continuously told me I was a great representative for the school which was a pretty great compliment that put me in a better mood for the rest of the day. Towards the end of my shift, a boy from the visiting team approached me and started a conversation.  We exchanged social media information and I continued on working. I also met the cutest little girl who explained to me why money was so awesome; when buying $2 worth of candy and paying with ONE five dollar bill she got THREE bills back. Upon returning to my dorm after my shift, a friend from the soccer team asked if I was working the gate at the game to which I replied yes. He let me know that his parents had met me and they said I was a very kind and sweet girl. I was surprised by this because I had only talked to his parents for about one or two minutes. I realized how important a first impression is because it plays a large role in how people view you. I learned that me being kind not only affected me but it also affected those around me. Being kind took nothing out of me, yet it gave me so much. I met so many great families from all around who helped me have a better work experience all by allowing me to be kind to them, and them being kind to me in return.

Signature Strengths Throughout Daily Actions

Based on my Signature Strengths test my top 5 strengths were fairness, honesty, kindness, prudence, and teamwork. Out of these five strengths, kindness is the easiest to apply throughout my everyday life because it doesn't cost me anything to be kind to those around me. Since I moved onto campus, I have been working as an athletics assistant, which consists of me working the sports events. Kindness is a strength  I can use throughout my job because I come in contact with people regularly. Last time I worked, I basically sat at a table for 3 hours handing tickets to people as they came in. It's not the most exciting job in the world but it's something I need to do in order to help my parents with my tuition. Tomorrow, September 22, I will be working the gate at the soccer game, requiring me to talk to parents and family members of the soccer players as well as students coming to watch the game. I can apply kindness throughout my job by being kind and respectful to those who come to the game. I can also make small talk as the individuals stop by to get their tickets. By creating small talk I will make my experience throughout my job a better one by engaging myself with those around me. No one likes an employee who is rude and disrespectful.  I believe that by being kind to others both the individuals attending and I will have a better experience.