On the day of my high school graduation, one of my valedictorians spoke about kindness, and lately I have been thinking a lot about that. American society has created a culture where it is much more acceptable to be a "savage" or mean for humor than to be a kind person. I know we are all guilty of being callous at one point or another and I believe we can all change for the better. I was notorious for being a drama queen in high school, I regret the way things were then. Since beginning college, I feel so free from the hatred of high school halls and I have made it my goal to become a more caring and cordial human being. As my valedictorian said, "we have to be kind," and I couldn't agree more. Here are eleven ways we can become a culture of kindness.

11. If you hurt someone, apologize for it.

https://giphy.com/gifs/filmeditor-mean-girls-movie...

It's hard to admit when you're in the wrong, but sometimes you have to swallow your pride and apologize. At the end of the day you'll feel better and the other person will as well.

10. Forget and Forgive.

http://www.simpsonsworld.com/

As someone with a name that literally means bitter, I can honestly tell you life is too short to waste it being that way. Accept their apology and move on just like you would want someone else to accept yours.

9. Accept people for who they are.

http://acidcow.com/pics/10284-the-funniest-photos-...

....even when you really don't want to.

8. Help people who need it.

https://wifflegif.com/gifs/119004-we-are-the-world...

Donate to an organization you care about, volunteer at the soup kitchen, pick up liter around town.. do things to help people, you never know when you might need it one day. Make Michael Jackson proud!

7. Stop belittling people who don't agree with you.

https://tenor.com/view/stupid-bitch-christine-tayl...

"I don't like green tea"

"You're so stupid, do you realize what green tea has done for you? You should be grateful that you even have the luxury to have green tea, bitchhhh."

Please stop having these conversations with people, especially on Facebook. You wouldn't like to be treated that way by someone, so why do it to someone else?

6. Be positive.

https://giphy.com/gifs/chris-traeger-X26wzoIbO70ek

Be the Chris Traeger of friends! Everyone needs a friend like him.

5. Annnd try not to be a "Debbie Downer."

http://untitledtv.com/debbie-gallagher-is-pregnant...

Seriously, Debbie Gallagher is a perfect example. Don't be like her.

4. Tell your friends and family how important they are to you.

http://gifimage.net/group-hug-gif-21/

You never know the last time you'll see them and you can't regret saying "I love you" too much.

3. Think of a way to make someone's day - everyday.

https://giphy.com/gifs/parks-and-recreation-MBIf8s...

A simple "hello" or an invitation to lunch could bring joy into a life!

2. Smile!

http://fairlyoddparents.wikia.com/wiki/My_Shiny_Te...

When you lead a happy environment, others will feel happy and comfortable as well. :)

1. Spread LOVE and less hate.

http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-be...

Love is the easiest thing we can do. We live one short life, and I know I would rather spend it sharing love rather than hate. Although it's difficult sometimes, you have to shut down the gossip and the hate. I just recently realized how much of an impact our actions have on each other and I want that impact to be positive.

Thank you, Libbie.. for showing me how important kindness is. Your speech will always be in my mind when someone says something hateful or life gets too much. It was a true inspiration to me!