When we lead with empathy, we open the door to deeper understanding and connection.
Sometimes, without realizing it, we build walls between ourselves and others – just because we don’t fully understand their experiences.
But when we take the time to really listen and learn, those walls start to come down.
There is as much wisdom in listening as there is in speaking–and that goes for all relationships, not just romantic ones. – Daniel Dae Kim
Making choices with empathy in mind naturally guides us toward ideas and actions that benefit everyone. It’s a small shift that can create a big impact.
This week, we bring you stories about people who are creating hope despite their everyday struggles.
- A program encourages uplifting social media habits
- A teacher’s kindness assignment inspires students
- Teens in foster care benefit from a prom dress drive
- A basketball program gives young people the skills to tackle their trauma
Positively Uplifting Stories | March 31 2025
This program is strengthening bonds within school communities.
Kindness Walls, a program sponsored by Weber State University, encourages students to share positive messages with their peers.
The goal is to promote positivity through social media posts and nurture a culture of appreciation among students.
The students can submit their message of appreciation on youuplift.com, which, once approved, are then published on the Kindness eWall.
By sharing compliments and positive messages with each other, the students get into the habit of using their online and offline platforms for good.
“The kids, when they see their name pop up during lunch, there’s like, cheers and screams, and the kids get excited for each other,” said Madeleine Homer, a social worker at Sandy’s Sprucewood Elementary.
A $20 kindness challenge is inspiring students to make a positive difference.
For seven years now, Pennsylvania English teacher Kristina Ulmer has been running a ‘Kindness Challenge’ in honor of her late sister.
Kristina gives each of her students $20 US and encourages them to spend it on an act of kindness.
The project is a huge success! Her school has also set up a fund to keep the challenge going.
The students always come up with creative ways to show kindness to others.
Whether it’s crocheting little hats for premature babies in neonatal care, baking cookies for first responders, or sewing pillowcases for kids in the hospital, the students have been making a significant impact on those around them.
Kristina hopes that the challenge will inspire her students to tap into empathy and generosity and build meaningful connections with the people around them.
“I want them to make connections to the people around them…. I wanted them to notice that, you know, people around them could possibly be struggling. I like that they can see the true meaning in doing acts of kindness and understand the impact that something like a small act of kindness could do,” said Kristina.
A special program offers free prom essentials for youth in foster care.
Prom is a special event for teenagers where they get to dress up, feel special, and create memorable experiences.
But due to adverse financial conditions, teens who live in foster care often miss out on the joy of purchasing formal dresses for special events.
CASA Los Angeles offers new prom dresses, jewelry, and shoes to fulfill the prom dreams of students in need.
The program helps graduating students look their best for their big night and make memories that will last a lifetime.
“I feel like my adversity doesn’t have to define who I am; my past doesn’t have to define me. My future is set. I am the first generation to graduate high school and attend college, and I’m very excited about that,” said Madison Rucker, a recipient.
Rehabilitative workshops help formerly incarcerated and underserved youth.
Hoops 4 Health is a basketball program that aims to make a positive impact on young people in correctional facilities.
The workshops are designed to give young people the skills to regulate their emotions and tackle trauma.
Using basketball as an activity, the initiative facilitates peer-led emotional regulation sessions.
“I’m not some facilitator that’s coming from another world they’ve never seen before; it’s someone they know, someone they’ve got banter with, someone they can relate to,” said Aaron Hyde, peer mentor for the Hoops 4 Health program.
Have a Wonderful Week Ahead!
At the end of the day, empathy helps us see each other more clearly.
It reminds us that behind every opinion, habit, or reaction is a human story.
When we choose to stay open, curious, and compassionate, we create space for better conversations, stronger communities, and a kinder world.
So let’s keep choosing empathy – it brings us closer, and that closeness is where real change begins.
Photo by RDNE Stock project
