Kindness Eases COVID-19 Disruption of Family Vacation

By News Staff

With that in mind, check out this inspiring act of kindness by Felicia Newman, a UAMS Pharmacy Technician.

“My joy in life is customer service, truly being able to help people and due to the longer hours, I haven’t seen my family much over the past several months, so I was really looking forward to a Spring Break vacation with them. When the need for volunteers became clear, I sat down with my husband, and we agreed to cancel our family vacation. My son took this hard as he was looking forward to seeing his best friend in Florida.

One of the people I serve here on campus knew of my family trip and how excited I had been to spend that time with my family. She surprised me today with a vacation-themed basket for me and my family to share (so special and personalized). I had only mentioned the trip in passing once to her when she asked if I had any big plans coming up, and we had shared fond memories back and forth of trips. Her act of kindness this morning brightened my day.

In HR, we have some difficult conversations at times. We become invested in the individuals we serve and often don’t share much of ours and to know our customers appreciate us and our lives, is so meaningful because we truly care about each person on this campus. Thank you, Felicia Newman, for thinking of others when you didn’t have to and making my day so special!” – Stephanie Hackney, Human Resources

And we have all seen the wonderful employees who have been screening at all the entrances when you get to work. Some small kind gestures go a long way!

“Just letting you know this morning’s crew of screeners in Shorey were in good spirits. I joked about walking up to the check point would be better if they threw confetti as we passed through. They all gave a courtesy laugh and one even did a dance.” – Brandy Wright, ISS

“This morning the crew next to Doc Java was greeting employees in the morning by simply saying, “Welcome to work!”. This simple gesture and positivity really made my day. J” – UAMS employee

Need more kindness inspiration? CHP has a digital kindness challenge you can join in on! “Send a short video or voice recording of encouragement to a co-worker.” I think we all know a coworker or two that have been working around the clock. Let’s share some extra words of encouragement to them during these difficult times.

Have you witnessed an act of kindness recently? Maybe you saw a stranger offer someone else a squirt of hand sanitizer? Maybe you called someone that simply needed some social interactions while in quarantine? No act is too big, or too small to share. Let’s spread some kindness during this time!