Dear editor,

There’s a simple and easy way we can all improve our lives and make the community of Kodiak better. We can all change our world in a positive way, by helping one person at a time, by each of us performing unexpected random acts of kindness. A small kindness can go a long way.

I got this idea by watching the movie titled “Pay It Forward,” based on a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The concept begins by one individual creating social change by “paying it forward” to three other people. One person does a kindness to three others, and instead of being thanked or compensated, they ask that each of the three people “pay it forward” to another three people, and so on and so on from there. As our movement snowballs, and more and more people are impacted by acts of kindness, not only do individual lives improve, but the community as a whole benefits. Eventually, our movement can spread beyond Kodiak to the Mainland, travel to the Lower 48, and expand on a worldwide basis!

My U.S. history teacher at Kodiak High School, Mr. Matt Neagley, has challenged every student in our class to initiate projects that will make a positive difference. “Paying it Forward” may not be an automatic or easy thing at first, but I believe we can all grow into making it a part of our lives

How can you participate in this exponential movement? Think beyond the box — has someone’s car slid off the road and needs a push or pull? Is there a senior who would like company? Do you know of a family having hard times making ends meet? Give it some thought, and let your heart and your conscience guide you. I encourage you to be a part of the change and “pay it forward.” You — and our community — will be glad you did!

David Sweeney