High school, for many, is the moment in time where one finds their identity. There are the higher level classes that provide students the opportunity to experience possible careers. Students may also find themselves participating in activities such as sports or fine arts. The school offers many clubs that each hold specific values that may intrigue students. With words such as SAT, ACT, or GPA that bring stress to many comes the hope to aspire to become greater. Numerous students are optimistic and look at high school as a chance to set themselves apart from their peers so that colleges may acknowledge their determination. Outside of school, there are the jobs, the volunteering, and the social aspect of friendships and family. There is no question that high school students are met with busy schedules and activity-filled daily lives. However, are we missing something? Is there anything that might be forgotten in the midst of our hectic lives? Though it is easy to get caught up in the worries of oneself, it is critical to remember that others experience the same situations. Showing kindness and serving others should not be a neglected trait in this time of self worry and anticipation for the future.

Starting a lifestyle of service does not require a big change; gradual steps toward it will prove it much easier to obtain. A simple smile to someone in the hallway can brighten up the day of that person. Though it requires minimal output, the little action can turn around someone’s day. Lunch, for many, is a time to take a break from schoolwork and a chance to socialize with friends. However, not all students experience lunch as it should be and may sit alone. Go out and sit with them. Even if the effort seems to not pay off, the act of going out of one’s way to sit with another goes far beyond what that person may ever know. For students who excel academically, helping another student who struggles can create friendships, help relieve anxiety and stress for the other party, but will also benefit the student helping by strengthening their grasp of the material and their leadership skills. This giving of one’s time in an activity where they are skilled can be applied to fine arts, sports, or any other event. The most important aspect of service is acknowledging that the other individual is important and is cared about.

From these efforts put forward, many will see a desire to help out in a larger scale. Many local church youth groups take mission trips throughout the country, and these are a great opportunity to really impact the lives of others. While all kindness impacts the beneficiary, mission trips often serve the needs of those who do not receive much daily. Serving the lives of these individuals often is the greatest way to see the crops of the harvest. Another great way to serve is by giving up time to visit those who don’t receive many visitors. The Challenge Day Club visits the Denton retirement home every other Monday, and this opportunity is a great way to truly experience the appreciation of others. There are also mentoring groups, such as Eagles Helping Eaglets, that give students the chance to share their time and wisdom to kids like them a few years ago. These kids will look up to their older buddies and will inspire a sense of belonging and friendship. Whether it is simply acknowledging the presence of another or giving up a week to serve the life of another, everyone’s actions do have an impact.

There is no doubt that high school is a very stressful period; however, showing kindness to others is a great way to combat this unnecessary evil. It is easy to get caught up in the worries of oneself, but this only leads to greater uneasiness. However, being generous has many benefits. Studies show that people who give freely manage time better. Because serving allows the individual to take a break from all of their personal worries, they get a chance  to plan ahead and make time for others. Another study showed that those who serve others often are much healthier. This is a result of endorphin, a chemical in the brain that triggers happiness and relaxation, being released after one shows kindness to others. In serving others, many find that they receive more than they give through the wisdom, personal discovery, and friendship they build.

Showing kindness to others does not mean at the expense of oneself, and the two are meant to coexist. Focusing on oneself deprives the individual from experiencing the joy that comes from showing kindness to others, but overwhelming an individual with serving others and disregarding their needs will prevent true generosity from occurring. Don’t overlook the sense of fullness that comes along with looking out for others. Through tending to the needs of those who need it and acknowledging that everyone has a place here, one will come to find completeness in their high school experience.