Despite the constant stream of negative news, there are encouraging signs that hope is alive and well with this younger generation as they find new ways of promoting a kinder, more inclusive world.
We are already seeing evidence of the ways that students are engaged in ensuring a safer environment for all school aged children after the Parkland shooting. Real change happens when we are proactive in our home, schools and communities. Here is an inspiring example.
Ringling College of Art and Design is a diverse community that offers mutual respect for all of its students. I was grateful to meet two of its junior students, Orianna (Ori) Flores and Ina Koekemoer, both of whom represent positivity and hope.
The first thing I noticed about Ori is her bright, open smile. Her Venezuelan parents, who became U.S. citizens twenty years ago, raised their daughter to always be respectful and to listen to what others have to say. Although music was an early love, when Ori discovered Ringling School of Art and Design she knew that this is where she belonged.
It was during her sophomore year, that Ori noticed a huge shift in the social climate after the 2017 elections. In those first few weeks, she began hearing about students who were being harassed on the streets and in the stores. Ori said, “It was almost as if people were given permission to insult other people.”
And then, a month later, Ori, along with 10 people from campus, went to a local restaurant. A man came up to her and asked her name. She recalls: “Suddenly, he yelled at me for being Hispanic, saying that a wall will be built to keep us out.” Ori was in shock. “I am an American citizen. I am a minority, but never felt like a minority until this incident.”
When she met with another Ringling student, Ina Koekemoer, Ori said, “I have this idea. . .” and so a seed was planted to create a project on kindness.
Ina, who was raised in Swaziland, was taught by her father at a young age: “We have to be the change we want to see.” She spent her high school years at a United World College, where diverse education could help to develop leaders for a peaceful and sustainable future. Ina believes “to create hope in the world, we need to be proactively kind as a society.” They make a great team.
It was about this time, that Ori and Ina met with me to talk about the possibility of doing a kindness project on campus. Ori says of that meeting: “When I met with Linda it was as if the stars had aligned. Someone else shared my same values and ideas and I knew that if we worked together we could make something great and spread kindness through art.”
They believe “the best way to promote kindness is to do it not just show it.” Thus, began the 30-Day Ringling Kindness Challenge, which launched on April 2nd. Their FB page focused on small daily acts with a different weekly theme. In support of a campus project to help All Faith Food Bank, they collected food to fill backpacks for kids. Another week showcased The Humane Society, with students creating kindness buttons to raise money and awareness for animals in shelters.
When I asked Ori if she was feeling hopeful about the world, she was clear: “Despite the craziness, I do have hope. I have hope that my generation and those younger are going to go out doing rallies, making their voices heard.” She knows that there may not be immediate change, but she believes that if we are able to continue the momentum we can create some positive change.” She realizes the importance of voting and letting those in power know that the government should be for the people.
The Ringling Kindness Challenge is a great place to start! Ori and Ina hope that it will become an annual event to create a culture of mutual support. For now, Ori says: “Remember to be nice today.”
And speaking of creating positive change, Embracing Our Differences, is celebrating its 15th annual outdoor art exhibit at Bay Front Park in Sarasota, Florida to educate and inspire a better world. Visit or check out their website here: www.embracingourdifferences.org
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