In a time where our country, communities, and world is so divided a small act of kindness can go a long way, this very idea was the foundation of the Kindness Project. Sophomore Zara Mufti formed the Kindness Project alongside sophomores Ryan Didihvar, Emmy Lookibel, Lexi Bensten, and Karim Khokagassi, and juniors Hakan Caliskan, Nikihil Chanada, and Marielle Wooton. They had the goal of creating an environment where students feel comfortable and are able to bond with each other.

“I felt like bullying was a really big issue within Langley, and I wanted to create a club that allowed people to feel a sense of belonging and community,” said Mufti.

 The club meets once a month during Saxon Time on Fridays. When they meet, the club tries to do something good for the school and community at large. A prime example of this is December when they decorated socks for the homeless, or their first meeting where they made welcome baskets for new teachers at Langley. 

“At our meetings we try to provide a lot of snacks so people can come together and talk and just get to know each other and expand their social circle,” said Mufti.

 This club’s core values of unity and, as the name suggests, kindness has created an incredibly inviting environment for students of all backgrounds. It has quickly become a safe space for anyone to join.

“That’s what is so special about clubs like this at Langley, they radiate that energy of connection that brings people in so they feel less alone,” system of support advisor and Kindness Project sponsor Lauren Lipton said.

  Lipton works with students who struggle with attendance and academics. These students can often struggle with joining the community at school, and for some the Kindness Project is just what they need. 

“Clubs like this are instrumental for students to feel seen and heard at school,” said Lipton. Students who don’t feel connected to the teachers and students around them are significantly less likely to show up to school. According to the CDC, students who feel like a part of their school environment are much less likely to experience mental health issues. 

“Every time I pass by one of their meetings it seems like such a warm and inviting environment,” sophomore Sadie Jane Stayin said. “I think that kind of environment and energy is so important to the school and students.”