Along with the Great American Eclipse, many may remember the summer of 2017 for the Kindness Rocks trend that gained momentum in towns and regions all across the country. During one Enrichment Hour of the International Student Orientation Program this August, Grier's Librarian and Website Manager, Mrs. Rebecca Woolfrey, took a break from reading and technology to bring the rock-painting craze right to Grier.
First, Mrs. Woolfrey explained the concept of Kindness Rocks, which is to spread a little kindness and cheer to random people by painting rocks and leaving them anywhere for others to find. The finder of the rock is given a moment of delight and the opportunity to re-hide the rock for someone else to find, in a "pay-it-forward" spirit. After reviewing a few ideas of painted Kindness Rocks online, students selected their rocks and paints and began creating their own unique designs. After adding a #grierrocks tag to the reverse and a coat of protective clear spray paint, students in the orientation program hid the rocks throughout campus.
As students and their families arrive at Grier during Opening and Registration, they may very well be cheered by a Grier Rocks kindness rock. Perhaps finding this rock will help a new student feel welcomed. Maybe she'll post a photo and tag it #grierrocks to share the fun. Afterwards, she might choose to pay-it-forward for another student to find.