LIFE

In this age of cyber-bullying, there’s nothing we love more than hearing about a teen who’s using social media to create a positive change for those around them. That is exactly what Washington teen Konner Sauve did last year. The former East Valley High valedictorian had been running an anonymous instagram account called Thebenevolentone3 for almost a year when he revealed his identity during his speech at graduation. Konner had devoted the account to posting selfies or yearbook pictures of his classmates with captions about what made them so awesome (check it out here to see what he had to say!).

Now that it's graduation time again, we can't help but remember Konner's awesome story—and be inspired to spread the good cheer on our own. "I wanted to focus on the better aspects of people...to shed a positive light on each individual, make them feel appreciated and to know that someone cares," Konner explained to ABC News.

We love Konner's idea—and that he did it all in secret, only revealing himself so that he could remind his classmates that all it takes is a little work and kindness—and that anyone can do it. So how can you make an impact on your community like Konner did? Start by just reminding yourself to be kind, and that there's never a bad time to share a smile or a compliment with someone. You can also check out Random Acts of Kindness, an organization working to make 2016 the year of kindness. They work to inspire people to becoming Raktivists (Random Act of Kindness Activists) and their site offers a plethora of ideas of how to perform these simple, random acts.

If you're ready to join in on a small scale, start with your family. Thank your parents, do some of your sister's chores and think of something nice to say to everyone you live with. Then, go bigger, starting with your friends and eventually working up to strangers—like paying for the drink behind you when you're in line at Starbucks. Sounds simple? It is. And anyone can do it.

Do you want to be a Raktivist? How are you spreading kindness?

Photo credit: Konner Sauve

by Maria Graham | 5/18/2016