Sometimes the smallest acts leave the deepest impact

Sitting with a friend who needs someone to listen, sharing a meal with someone who would otherwise eat alone, or offering a few words of encouragement during a difficult moment may seem ordinary. Yet for the person receiving them, these simple gestures can mean the world.

Acts of care may feel small to the giver, but they often become lasting memories for the receiver—moments that stay in their hearts long after they pass. A single act of kindness can remind someone that they are not alone, that they are seen, and that they matter.

This quiet exchange embodies the spirit of “Give to Gain,” the theme of International Women’s Day 2026. When we give our time, attention, and compassion, we often receive something unexpected in return: stronger friendships, deeper connections, and communities built on empathy. The kindness we offer today can inspire the kindness someone else passes on tomorrow.

This theme was at the heart of the International Women’s Day celebration at Parami University, where Alexandra Dingle (Alex) and Anny Lin, current and former academic advisors at Parami University, were invited as guest speakers. Both have given so much of themselves to Parami students, nurturing growth, confidence, and connection.

“Women are naturally caretakers. I think it is a beautiful thing,” said Alex, reflecting on her humanitarian work at a refugee camp in Greece in 2020. “We love to show care and love for others, so why shouldn’t we show that same care for ourselves?”

Alex recalled the women at the camp, who spent their days caring for children and managing households. When asked what they liked to do for fun, they laughed—they hadn’t thought about it in a long time.

“In this difficult context, I wanted to find a way for women to give and gain at the same time,” Alex explained. Inspired, she worked with a supervisor to launch Women’s Hour, a safe space where women could connect, express themselves, and enjoy activities they love. Her past experiences continue to inspire her work with students at Parami. “By giving myself and my energy, I ended up gaining more of myself—and more energy to share with others,” Alex said.

Anny Lin shared a simple analogy she once heard from Parami students that captures the theme of Give to Gain perfectly: “If you plant a seed, give it sunlight and water, and with time it grows, whether flowers or vegetables. What you nurture, nurtures you back.”

Anny reflected on a personal experience that embodies this lesson. She remembered a woman who once planted a seed in her life by helping her learn English at her parents’ restaurant. “She gave so much of her time freely, out of pure love. I think of her often when building relationships with people. She is a source of encouragement,” Anny said.

“Working with students at Parami is my way of planting that same kind of seed,” Anny continued. Her advice to students: help plant seeds in others, and allow yourself to be the seed others invest in. “It doesn’t have to be big. Even reaching out to someone quiet in class can make a difference.”

In the end, giving and gaining are intertwined. Small acts of kindness, whether grand or simple, create lasting impact—one seed at a time. 

Happy International Women’s Day!