Make Or Break - An Act of Kindness Pre-Challenge

For this edition Make or Break, 8 of Mackenzie’s students have accepted the kindness challenge. The “An Act of Kindness” challenge forces you to stop and think about your actions and interactions to make them as cordial as possible. Follow along as Jason Cameron, Pilaws, the pilgrimage, Darren Cheong, Edna Nortey, CountyKnight, Sabrina Daracan and Misheel Batkhuu take on this challenge!

Do you believe you are a kind person?

Misheel Batkhuu: No. I don't mean to sound smart and snobby, but I think I like the idea of being kind. I do genuinely want to learn to be kind, helpful, compassionate, and good. I have a tendency to be a bit mean and cold though sometimes, and I don't think that's kindness. I would really like to be kind and uplifting, or at least try to be so, even at my lower points.
Darren Cheong: no
Jason Cameron: I believe most of the time and even when I'm not like seemingly kind I usually mean it in a nice way
CountryKnight: I'd like to believe that I am a kind person.
Sabrina Daracan: I’d say so
the pilgrimage: probably
Pilaws: To be honest not really. I believe I'd rather be kind than not and am generally an empathetic/ sympathetic person. Real kindness? no clue what that would mean.
Edna Nortey: I think of myself as a compilation of many different versions of myself that shifts and transitions based on who I'm with or what I'm doing. Though the definition of kind is subjective, I consider myself a kind person—generally. Although it is not always apparent, I try my best to consider others and go out of my way to do things for others whenever I can. My day to day life is full of many amazing people, and I doubt I'd have such a great network if I didn't have at least a little kindness in me.

Has anyone ever recognized your kindness?

Misheel Batkhuu:I think the biggest, longest, and perhaps only case of imposter syndrome I have ever dealt with (and am still dealing with) is people telling me I'm kind when I don't see myself that way. Most often, I get told I'm kind when I give compliments... it's not always a compliment to me, because it implies I'm not sincere when I am. Especially when one person described me as someone who "gives compliments like water." I guess that doesn't count as recognizing kindness then:') But by all means, when I try to be kind, it definitely doesn't go unnoticed because I either get kindness in return or gratitude for my attempt, or laughter at my cheesiness, or any combination of the three<3
Darren Cheong: sometimes
Jason Cameron: Yes But I cannot provide an example.
CountryKnight:I don't know, maybe? if so, not explicitly. If I did something like very kind, then I usually receive the same treatment back or the other person thanks me.
Sabrina Daracan: Yeah someone thanked me for helping them before
the pilgrimage: my friends definitely do
Pilaws: People have complimented my "nice"ness and kindness before but I'm not really good at taking compliments or believing them.
Edna Nortey: Many people around me have acknowledged my conscious efforts to be kind. It brings me happiness to know my actions brought positivity to something else. Most of all though, people comment on the unconscious mannerisms that I have. Whether that be in the way I respond in a conversation, to subtle observations that make other people feel appreciated. This may just be the fruit of my parents' ways (the kindest people I know), but either way a win is a win.

Do you believe kindness genuinely makes the world a better place?

Misheel Batkhuu: Yes. I think it's the small acts, the small efforts, that can make a big impact, if not in the world, in someone's world. And the best part is, kindness often has a multiplier effect. It starts within you and when you try to do something meaningful for someone else, it makes that person happy, and it makes you happy, and then you both feel inspired to go out and sprinkle kindness into others' worlds too. I believe we have within us the capability and the compassion to make a difference through kindness, and a difference, however big or small, is changing the world.
Darren Cheong: yes
Jason Cameron: Yes, random acts of kindness are great!
CountryKnight: Yes, I do believe kindness genuinely makes the world a better place. I think that a little bit of kindness everyday, can change yours or someone else's life.
Sabrina Daracan: Yeah definitely. I feel like if everyone just put their pride aside and spread kindness, the world would definitely be better.
the pilgrimage:absolutely
Pilaws: Yes.
Edna Nortey: Kindness is one of the driving factors of our world. Whether it be genuine or manipulative, many people strive to be seen as kind people. On a global scale, and with our current situation, we need to exercise compassion and kindness not only to other communities, but to ourselves, to ensure our collective survival.

Can you remember a kind action someone (a family member, friend, stranger) did for you?

Misheel Batkhuu: I remember I lost my student ID card in Grade 9 somewhere and couldn't find it. When I came into class two days later, there was a letter mailed to the school for me. Enclosed was my ID and a handwritten letter from a stranger... Joseph something, telling me they had found it on the road somewhere and hoped I hadn't worried too much over it. They wished me a good day and God's blessings. That meant a lot to me and still does.
Darren Cheong: yes
Jason Cameron: My friend held the door open for me when I was walking into school ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
CountryKnight: I was feeling really sad one night, and one of my friends stayed up late to chat with me and support me.
Sabrina Daracan: A bus driver let me on the bus even though I forgot my presto
the pilgrimage: My friends would help me with schoolwork, club activities, and extracurricular work whenever I asked.
Pilaws: My friend once gave me a hug.
Edna Nortey: For about 4 consecutive years now, I've had terrible luck when it came to Secret Santa. Either my gift would have no consideration, or my gifter would openly complain that they didn't want to give me something. In the winter of the 8th grade, I had once again gotten a pretty bad gift. My gift consisted of a damaged slinky and a lightning mcqueen nightlight (which was actually pretty cool, if not used) in a no frills bag. I was happy that I had at least received something this time, but it was quite apparent that not much time nor effort was put into getting me something. Unbeknownst to me, my classmates and teacher had raised money to buy me a gift, and it was sent straight to my door. To this day I treasure all I received from them.

Do you find that you feel better after doing a kind action?

Misheel Batkhuu: Yes. Actually, "better" doesn't really cut it. "Good" is how I feel.
Darren Cheong: sometimes (usually i feel i have an obligation to give help if if possible)
Jason Cameron: Yeah, direct quote from my boom I read when I was like five "It's that warm feeling somewhere up there" (It was like a book about teddy bears or something)
CountryKnight: Yes I do, it fills me with a unique sense of joy.
Sabrina Daracan: Yeah. Small things can make someone’s day so I always feel good knowing I probably made a difference.
the pilgrimage: yes
Pilaws: Partially yes, but mainly because I then feel like i'm being useful to others.
Edna Nortey: Usually I feel very happy after doing something nice for another, but my enthusiasm sometimes falters when its overlooked, taken for granted or is to someone who's been mean.

Have you ever wanted to do something for a stranger but felt nervous to?

Misheel Batkhuu: Not that I can remember... If it has anything to do with the question, I do experience extreme awkwardness along with the incapability to say "hi" to people I know but haven't spoken to in a while. Holding back on that social factor is in a way holding out on kindness and empathy I could be giving.
Darren Cheong: sometimes
Jason Cameron: Question unclear, currently stuck—send help!
CountryKnight: Yes many times, I feel like it is harder to do something kind for someone else, in terms of the action being personalized, although if it is generic kindness, it's a bit easier.
Sabrina Daracan: No I’ve always done things as long as it helped others.
the pilgrimage: I don't think so
Pilaws: All the time.
Edna Nortey: Very often actually! I find myself wanting to give someone a compliment, or offer them something, but I grow anxious and then think "nevermind!". In hindsight, this was likely the wrong reaction. I should have gone ahead and tried to make someone's day.

Have you ever wanted to do something for a stranger but felt nervous to?

Misheel Batkhuu: Initiative and motivation to be kind more openly and more often, if not all the time.
Darren Cheong: getting used to helping people
Jason Cameron: Idk something good I guess
CountryKnight: I don't really know at the moment, I think as I go through the challenge, my goal will become more apparent.
Sabrina Daracan: See other people’s perspective and spread kindness
the pilgrimage: I'm just doing this for fun
Pilaws: Mainly fun and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Edna Nortey: I hope to become more aware of my actions and how they affect others.

That wraps up the pre-challenge thoughts! Stay tuned for all the kindness in store over the next few weeks!