“Life’s most urgent question: What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King Jr. 

Over the past year and a half, we have all faced new and often unexpected challenges in our daily lives. Everyday routines changed, and we spent more time at home and with our immediate families than ever before. During part of this time, children were homeschooled, high school and college students learned remotely and many of us worked from home. Meanwhile, those in health care worked extensive hours to take care of countless others — and continue to do so.

In the midst of everything, it seems as though our focus has been on what we can all do for others. I have witnessed many acts of kindness — some small and some big! 

Doing good for others can give us all a different outlook on our lives by increasing our feelings of gratefulness and optimism. Keep in mind that acts of kindness are for the benefit of others, so be sure that your words and actions are considerate and needed. Kindness during difficult times makes the world a better and happier place. Take some cues from the amazing alumni you will read about in this magazine and find ways to show random acts of kindness. 

After all, it costs nothing to be kind.