Maya MacGregor
Online Sports Editor
The phrase “be kind” may seem like a simple expression; however, according to junior Quin Severo, these two words have an incredibly powerful effect on the daily lives of human beings.
Severo started the “Be Kind” campaign in Advanced Placement Studio Art in an effort to spread acts of kindness throughout the South Bay. She decided to focus on reinforcing basic values, such as being a better person and helping others, during the daily lives of Costa students.
“I think that many people in the South Bay get so caught up in their social lives that they forget to be nice,” Severo said. “The phrase ‘be kind’ is simple, yet incredibly powerful.”
Severo originally received an assignment in her art class to address a social issue. Students had to create a piece of art to convey his or her individual message. Severo decided to focus on the basic idea of kindness.
“I have given out tons of stickers with my logo, and I have begun to see them in places I haven’t put them,” Severo said. “It’s amazing to see my work spread.”
Severo started the movement on her own, creating a logo, carving stamps, and printing her own “be kind” designs. However, her AP Studio Art student teacher, Amber Dixon, soon became more involved. Dixon took her prints and put them up in the Los Angeles art district and also developed the idea of putting the design on stickers.
“I was so excited when Ms. Dixon got involved, and she has been so helpful,” Severo said. “She has been kind, encouraging and helpful in every step of this process.”
Severo spreads her “Be Kind” movement by posting pictures to the Instagram account @kindness.movement. Her friends have been expanding the campaign throughout the country to places like Brown University and the Golden Gate Bridge in an attempt to spread awareness about treating individuals with the kindness that everyone deserves.
“Being kind should be a given, but it is more of an afterthought these days,” junior Katie Smythe said. “I think Quin’s overall goal for the movement is to bring out the kindness every person is capable of showing.”
Currently, the “Be Kind” movement has reached people in Santa Monica, Manhattan and Hermosa Beach. However, campaign supporters are attempting to expand the movement to places all over the country like Rhode Island, San Francisco, and New Orleans through social media.
“I want people to see that being kind is more important than being cool,” Severo said. “People should treat others how they want to be treated, because in the end, that is what really matters.”
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