Lester Williams Jr, a contributing writer
Saint Leo University’s Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority is taking the time to remind everyone to appreciate themselves.
To help spread the message of self-love, the Sorority set up a stand outside of Saint Leo University’s student activities building. This event titled ‘Paws and Be Kind’ took place on Friday, Feb. 19, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm.
Paws and Be Kind was run by Sorority members Harriet Sands, a senior majoring in computer information systems, and Alyssa Mooney, a junior majoring in psychology.
“As a way of celebrating World Kindness Day, The Sigma Tau chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is encouraging students to think about positive words about themselves,” said Sands.
“Our hand sign is a proud representation of our Sorority and values of our founders, which are a sisterhood, scholarship, and service, “Sands added.
World Kindness Day originated from the World Kindness Movement. This movement started in the late 1990s at a convention in Tokyo, Japan. The day started as simply a time of observation and eventually expanded into an event acknowledged worldwide.
As mentioned by inspirekindness.com, the purpose of this day is to help everyone understand that compassion for others binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations.
During the event, Mooney and Sands asked people walking by to write something about themselves on a positive poster. If the person participated, they were rewarded with a snack.
Saint Leo University students taking time out of there day to take part in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority event for World Kindness Day (Photo was taken by Lester Williams Jr) 
Tyler Sanders an Assistant Director for Saint Leo University participating in the Paws and Be Kind event (Photo was taken by Lester Williams Jr) 
The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority poster where all the paritipants of the event what they think is positive about them. (Photo was taken by Lester Williams Jr)
Despite the event’s short period, the organizers managed to engage University students and faculty by giving them a reason to be optimistic and express gratitude.
“This event allows us to embrace the good qualities within ourselves,” said Dylan Trivedi, a senior majoring in criminal justice.
“This event reminds us of the positive ways we may not always see ourselves in and shows how strong we really are,” said Sofia Cabrera, a junior majoring in criminal justice.
Events like Paws and Be Kind play a role in helping people feel good about themselves and encourage others to do the same.
“These events are important to make people feel beautiful about themselves and show others they can also feel that way,” said Eliza Espinal, a freshman majoring in sports business.
One of the main takeaways from the event was how important it is to celebrate small wins.
Assistant Director of Student Excellence and Development at Saint Leo University, Tyler Sanders, said: “Self-care is so important in our lives…find time for positive self-talk and reward yourself for small wins.”
Acts of kindness do not have to be extravagant if they demonstrate compassion.
