Acts of kindness remind us of our shared humanity. They don’t have to be grand gestures because even small acts of compassion show us the inherent value of empathy and generosity. It’s even more touching when the recipient deserves kindness — that’s what happened in March 2024.
On this day, James Mogaji, a Nigerian security guard working at Providence College in Rhode Island, was shocked when students surprised him with a US$30,000 gift. Mogaji works at Raymond Hall, one of the college’s buildings. When students from this building learned that he had not visited his family in over a decade, they decided to do something for him.
A good turn deserves another
Student organizer Brandon Reichart told CBS News that Mogaji greets everyone with a smile and is “the kindest soul anyone has ever met in this building.” The group of students set up a secret online fundraiser page for Mogaji, and within a week, they had raised enough money to pay for his trip home.
The GoFundMe Page that Brandon organized stated that the funds would help Mogaji pay for his ticket, food, and lodging in Nigeria. However, the heartfelt donors kept giving until the fundraiser was stopped at $30,000.
In a heartwarming video posted online by CBS, Brandon and his fellow students enter Mogaji’s office and surprise him with a ticket and an envelope.
“We started a GoFundMe to care for ourselves because that’s what we do here at PC. As long as I’ve been here, they’ve done that for me; we do that for each other, so now we’re doing it for you,” said Brandon, with James sitting there surprised. “You’re part of the family, so our gift to you is a trip to Nigeria,” he adds.
Tears well up on Mogaji’s face, and finally, he covers his face and falls to the ground, weeping with joy. It’s a fitting gift for a man who means so much to the students at Providence College. Science is also on the participants’ side because studies have shown that kindness benefits both the recipient and the giver.
Benefits of kindness
Kindness feels good
Acts of kindness are often associated with increased feelings of well-being and reduced stress. They can also increase one’s support network, boost one’s self-esteem, and encourage one to be more active. These are all critical factors in releasing frustrations and reducing anxiety and stress.
Creates a sense of belonging
The students come together for James in our story above because they believe he is “part of their family.” His kindness to them builds a connection that grows, and that’s why they feel the need to uplift one of their own.
Helps people keep things in perspective
Kindness for yourself or others goes hand in hand with gratitude. You can’t be generous if you don’t appreciate the little (and big) things in your life. With gratitude comes optimism, happiness, and satisfaction.
Kindness may improve heart health and help with diabetes management
Psychological well-being is an excellent antidote against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. According to one study, people with type 1 and 2 diabetes who practiced kindness and self-compassion for eight weeks had reduced distress associated with their illness. In short, they began having a positive outlook, encouraging optimism and better eating and exercise habits.
A healthy dose of kindness
Dr. Kelli Harding, MD, MPH, is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City and the author of The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier With the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness. In an interview about kindness, she told Everyday Health:
“Kindness creates positive social connection, which lowers blood pressure, cortisol, and stress. Humans do best with daily doses of social support, aka kindness. I wish I could prescribe giving and receiving daily kindness for all my patients.”
Harding is correct because the more we do for others, the more we do for ourselves. As mentioned, you don’t have to go overboard with your kind gestures. James Mogaji’s story is the perfect example of how we can be kind and generous within our means and still impact those we meet. Remember, the benefits of helping others linger long after the kindness act itself.
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