Western University is spreading kindness one letter at a time with their ‘Kind Mail’ project. The initiative asks alumni and upper year students to spread kindness by sending a note of encouragement to a student living in their former residence room or to an off-campus student.
Last year, the project saw more than 1,000 letters delivered to first-year students heading into the exam season. Manger at Downtown London, Kathy McLaughlin participated in this years Kind Mail project — knowing all too well what it feels like to be a first-year student. From 1980-1983, McLaughlin attended Western University for administrative studies.
“It was a really exciting time, I lived off-campus and worked my way through university. I had to find a balance between work, social, and school. It was very hectic, but very rewarding,” said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin is no stranger to the Kind Mail project as she has participated since its start and continues to spread awareness about the project by taking to Twitter.
I just sent #KindMail to encourage a student at Western during exams. I remember the feeling of pressure so vividly! Sending positive thoughts and energy to all the students striving for excellence this season. https://t.co/fU5hD0Pq6U
— Kathy McLaughlin (@KathyMldnont) November 29, 2018
“It is really important for alumni to reach out to the new generation of students to show them that we relate to them and say, ‘hey, we know what you are going through and you are not alone in this’,” commented McLaughlin.
Being an off-campus student herself, McLaughlin sent this years Kind Mail letter to a student living in the same situation.
“I remember so vividly that pressure to do well or to perform well and how you are pulled in so many directions. So the letter I sent shows them that I can relate and let them know that they are going to be okay,” commented McLaughlin.
McLaughlin hopes to see the Kind Mail project become a staple tradition at Western University that will carry on for years to come. She says it is very important to show students that somebody cares and acknowledges the trials and tribulations they may be facing in their first-year at university.
“Knowing that friends and family care about you is one thing. But knowing that someone from the community cares to see you succeed, who may not even know you, that is important. Especially now, with mental health issues and how students are under more stress than ever before — this initiative is really great. It lets students know that they’re efforts are not going unrecognized.”
*Photo Credit: Western University*
