The Importance of Being Nice Isabel S. Hanes

In my life I find myself practicing a certain sort of attitude that is subtle but impactful in its own way. While I do tend to look at life with positivity and a sense of adventure, I would be lying if I said I was always chipper---or even always optimistic. However, there’s an approach I take to my interactions with others that I pride myself on, and though it does not receive much recognition, I believe it’s an important part of my personality. People overlook the importance of being amiable. We tend to concern ourselves with being bigger and better---more courageous, more intelligent, more popular, more exciting. The stress and confusion of applying for colleges has confirmed this in my eyes irrevocably. At this point in time, my friends (and I, as a matter of fact) are uncomfortably focused on their grades, their test scores, their high school transcripts and their academic strengths. It feels unfair that the admissions officers who read their applications might not see what I see---their empathy, sensitivity, thoughtfulness and warmth. I wish that loyalty could be measured by a grade; I wish that kindness could be reported on a transcript. I wish that more value was placed on making others feel comfortable and...