In one Florida Gulf Coast University classroom, math and science take a backseat to a lesson that is far more fundamental.
"I'm a crazy kindness creature," said class guest speaker Francesca Donlan, who teaches "The Kindness Effect."
Donlan launched the first-ever kindness class at FGCU in 2020. Since then, she has returned as a guest teacher, still spreading the vital message of compassion.
"I believe in the power of kindness and I believe that it is a solution to a cultural problem," said Donlan. "It solves, like, every medical problem, it decreases depression and anxiety, and increases resilience and longevity."
In a world measured by grades and deadlines, Donlan asks her students to pause and brainstorm the immeasurable.
"Kindness is contagious, so when you feed a homeless man a sandwich, you might inspire your friend to do the same," said Donlan.
To inspire acts like this, Donlan gives her students $10 each and encourages them to spend it in a way that fosters empathy, connection and joy. It is an exercise she has expanded beyond the classroom, as people on Facebook can share inspiring stories of acts of kindness given or received in her $10 Kindness Club.
"It's such a simple thing that people say but not do all the time," said one student of kindness.
"It breeds kindness, tolerance and compassion as a culture," said another student.
Not only has Donlan seen the receivers change, but the givers do, too.
"I saw them break up with people who weren't good to them anymore because they liked themselves better," said Donlan of her students. "I saw them stick through classes because they realized they didn't have to be perfect, so they didn't drop out. I saw a myriad of amazing transformations."
So, while kindness is often underestimated, Donlan believes these students can use it not just to better themselves but to better the world around them.
"I hope that they'll feel better about themselves and better about the communities that they live in," said Donlan.