Throughout the day, it is always nice to see a smiling face or to have someone simply keep the door open for a student who is walking in. Occasionally, a student forgets a pencil or what the page for the math homework is, and a student chimes in to help. At Saint James, small acts of kindness like these are frequently practiced. I find that throughout my daily schedule, friends and acquaintances alike make an effort to help the day flow more easily. For instance, during advisory, I have noticed several students help each other understand the pre-cal lesson of the day, quiz another for a big history test, or lend another a hair tie. These acts are certainly not elaborate, but they help every student just the same. Displayed prominently in the high school hallway is a bulletin board with ideas for showing kindness. Our counselors, Ms. Garzon and Mrs. Payne, encourage us to “take what you need and give what you can.” Many times, acts of kindness easily go unnoticed, but I believe that is a good thing. It shows that here at Saint James, little common courtesies are frequent and well received with a “thank you.”
It is obvious that Saint James students have manners and respect one another. Of course, we students joke around and give each other a hard time, but when push comes to shove, all students are willing to help out each other. Students even go out of their way to assist teachers during the day. I have seen students go downstairs to get papers from the copier, get a drink for the teacher from the vending machine, carry heavy boxes, and so much more. Teachers also do their part when it comes to kind gestures. For instance, whenever a student is feeling low, Mr. Harrison, our theater director, always tries his best to cheer them up and put a smile on their face, no matter how he is feeling that day. Similarly, our Latin teacher, Mrs. Conner, is happy to join in funny conversations and keeps the atmosphere of the classroom comfortable. But most famously, English teacher Mr. Clinton will dress up in the craziest costumes imaginable and stay in character to put a smile on his students’ faces.
