Members of the Religious Studies Department have a lot to say when discussing the importance of bringing kindness into the classroom. Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Dr. Anna Petrin says that forming good relationships in the classroom is one of the first steps to incorporating kindness.

“Part of learning that I make sure to bring into the classroom the first day is that religion can help people to better understand one another. In one of these ways, I feel religion can contribute to kindness,” stated Petrin.

Petrin also expressed the importance of helping students to flourish in the classroom. When teaching, she exclaimed how being attentive and working with the students allows them to thrive in the classroom, rather than just attend and get a good grade.

When discussing what she believes is the most important lesson when teaching kindness, Dr. Anna Petrin explained that patience and empathy are crucial.

“Patience because the world can be really unkind, and things can be very hurtful. To try to understand that and still be kind requires a degree of discipline and patience that you have to cultivate,” explained Petrin.

Associate Professor of Practice Sr. Nancy Hawkins says that she aims to create a classroom environment that can be a place where people feel respected, safe, and can enjoy learning.

“I think it takes a while for the classroom to gel, but one of the things I love most about teaching is when it gels, I can tell that they are forming a little community,” Sr. Nancy explained.

When asked about how she tries to incorporate kindness into the classroom, she said “The first thing I do is listen to the students and I am honest with the students. I think that in order to be kind you have to be honest with them. I also encourage them to let me know if something is bothering them and if there is a problem that they need to talk about. I think a way of being kind is opening that door to them,” said Sr. Hawkins.

Hawkins further explained that the most important thing that comes with teaching with kindness is to have a personal relationship with the students.

“Sometimes students place an imaginary wall between you and them, but I find that an act of kindness often tears that wall down,” said Hawkins.

Sr. Hawkins strives to be accommodating with her students and is always willing to work with them.

Advice from Dr. Anna Petrin and Sr. Nancy Hawkins:

“Your professors at Marywood care deeply about who you are and who you want to become, and we will do anything to help you become yourself. Go to office hours, talk to us, raise your hand! None of us love anything more than when students use every aspect of what we have to offer. We do what we do because we care about you.”
Dr. Anna Petrin
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“Be yourself, don’t try to be somebody else. That is the gift that you bring to the world.”
Sr. Nancy Hawkins
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