The Science of Kindness—and How We Live It Every Day

Want to feel happier? Start with kindness.
That’s the takeaway from a recent Gallup article—and it’s a truth we live by every day at Merion Mercy Academy.

As a Catholic, all-girls high school rooted in the Mercy tradition, we know that kindness is more than a good habit. It’s a way of life. Our students are taught to lead with empathy, act with purpose, and lift each other up. We see this not just as a reflection of our faith, but as a way to build a better—and happier—world.

Kindness Makes Us Happier—and Stronger

According to Gallup, people who regularly engage in kind acts are far more likely to be thriving in their wellbeing. In fact, those who performed acts of kindness in the past week were more than twice as likely to be thriving than those who hadn’t.

The benefits extend to those on the receiving end, too. As Gallup reports, “People who had received an act of kindness recently were significantly more likely to report feeling grateful, connected and optimistic about the future.”

At Merion Mercy, we see this daily in the way our students support one another—through a challenging day, or a major milestone. These moments of compassion aren’t small; they’re transformative.

The Three Cs of Impactful Kindness

Gallup outlines three elements that make kindness especially powerful—the “Three Cs”:

• Caring connections: When people feel socially connected through their giving, the happiness effect is amplified. Simply put, giving is more fulfilling when it strengthens relationships. Our sisterhood at Merion Mercy fosters deep, lifelong connections that create space for kindness to thrive.
   
• Choice: The most powerful kindness is freely chosen. Through our Mercy values—especially Compelled by Mercy and Principled Leadership—our students are encouraged to take initiative and act with intention, not obligation.
   
• Clear positive impact: Kindness matters most when its impact is visible. At Merion, students regularly reflect on how their service and support uplift others. Whether it’s a local service project or simply reaching out to a classmate, they witness the ripple effect of their actions.
   

Living Mercy Values Through Sisterhood

Our environment is uniquely designed to nurture these qualities. As an all-girls school, Merion Mercy cultivates a culture of encouragement and inclusion. Our students are not in competition—they are companions on the journey.

Sisterhood means no one walks alone. It means showing up for one another. It means understanding that kindness isn't a nice extra—it's the foundation of leadership and a core expression of faith.

A kinder world is a happier one. And at Merion Mercy, it’s already taking root.