I could have sworn I just introduced myself as The Columbus Dispatch’s new human kindness reporter a couple of weeks ago, but apparently, it’s been four months since I last checked in.
So hello, and happy spooky season. I hope you’ve all been well and are thoroughly enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.
Throughout the 120-ish days I’ve been covering kindness in and around Columbus, people have frequently asked me, “How are you liking the beat?”
My answer is always the same: I feel absolutely spoiled. In my opinion, I scored the best beat in the newsroom.
My first kindness story
My very first kindness story highlighted the Dublin Teen Buddy Program, an initiative that matches older adults with local teens based on their mutual interests in an effort to foster friendships
across generations. I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to kick off the kindness beat.
Since then, I’ve been continuously inspired by the everyday heroes I’ve met. It sometimes feels impossible to condense such meaningful work into 700 words, but each week I strive to fully convey the impact these individuals and their efforts have on the community.
A day in the life of a kindness reporter
Shining a spotlight on local acts of kindness means I am constantly conversing with the best of the best. I’ve been acquainting myself with the central Ohioans who possess the biggest hearts and an even bigger drive to change the world, one act of kindness at a time, and I’m constantly inspired by them.
Which, honestly, I anticipated.
One thing I didn’t anticipate? The sheer number of hours I’d spend buried in my inbox reading, writing, sending and sorting emails. I can confidently say I have never received so many messages in my life.
When I first began this beat, I’d compiled a long list of ideas for how to dig up kindness leads. I believed I would spend a significant portion of my time seeking out stories to cover, and while I do engage in my fair share of digging, the influx of tips I consistently receive from readers has been a very pleasant surprise.
Keep the tips coming, Columbus!
Columbus is clearly excited about kindness, and that enthusiasm shines through in the mountains of messages I receive pointing me toward local leaders, nonprofit organizations and everyday members of the community who are making a positive impact and are long overdue for some recognition.
Know someone who deserves the spotlight for their selfless acts of kindness? I want to hear (or read) all about it. Please don't hesitate to brag about those too humble to brag about themselves by writing me at ktucker@dispatch.com.
Reporter Kelly Tucker can be reached at ktucker@dispatch.com.
This article was made possible by support from the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation, which has partnered with The Columbus Dispatch to profile those making our community a better place. Help us lift up inspiring stories of kindness by suggesting people, initiatives, or organizations to feature by emailing kindness@dispatch.com. The Dispatch retains full editorial independence for all content. Learn more at Dispatch.com/Kindness.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Four months in, Dispatch's kindness beat continues to grow
