W5: "The School that Runs on Kindness and Solar Power"

I studied at a university called UTAR. It is powered by both kindness and solar energy. Yes, you heard that right—not only is it powered by solar energy, which is quite common these days, but it is also powered by acts of kindness. You might be wondering, how can kindness generate energy for a school? Well, every time a student performs a good deed, they earn a point, which contributes both to their final exam bonus marks and to the school’s energy system.

UTAR has a 24-hour AI surveillance system that monitors and evaluates the behavior of students within the campus. This AI system recognizes good deeds and awards points accordingly. Remarkably, scientists have discovered a way to convert these points into usable energy. If every student performs just one kind act per day, the accumulated kindness can generate enough power to support the school’s daily energy needs.

For example, helping a fellow student with their studies or picking up litter and putting it into the correct bin are considered good deeds. These acts of kindness earn students points, which in turn contribute to both their academic success and the school’s sustainable energy system.

On the other hand, negative behavior reduces a student’s points. Every new student starts with 100 points. Actions like cheating on a test or sexually harassing another student will result in point deductions, as determined by the AI system. This system greatly enhances the safety and discipline of the school.

If a student’s point total falls below 50, they are required to attend counseling sessions. If it drops below 25, they receive a formal warning and additional counseling. If the points fall into the negative, the student is expelled. Thanks to this strict but fair system, in my four years at UTAR, there has not been a single case of harassment or theft. Everyone treats each other with respect and dignity, and I felt truly safe and inspired every day.

The school also places a strong emphasis on morality and ethics. There is a compulsory course called Human Ethics and Morality, which teaches students about empathy, inclusion, and the importance of understanding others. Through this course, I’ve learned to become a better person. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what it means to walk in someone else’s shoes and to treat others with compassion.

Apart from being powered by kindness, UTAR also runs on solar energy. The university is highly committed to sustainability. Environmental responsibility is a top priority. Solar panels are installed across the rooftops of the campus buildings to reduce carbon emissions. Inside the campus, you’ll find three-compartment recycling bins everywhere, posters promoting sustainability, and even a Recycling Club that actively engages students in eco-friendly activities. I am also part of the Recycling Club member too.

I once joined a Recycling Club event where we spent an entire day cleaning up a polluted beach. It was a tiring but fulfilling experience. We were incredibly proud of our efforts, knowing we had made a real difference in the environment.

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Studying at UTAR changed my life. It allowed me to grow academically, emotionally, and socially. I learned the importance of being kind, responsible, and environmentally conscious. I genuinely believe that every school today should adopt a similar model. Imagine a future where every student learns empathy and sustainability as naturally as math or science. In just a few years, we could create a society that values kindness and respects our planet.

If more schools followed UTAR's example, the world would be a much better place—a world where energy is clean, people are kind, and education shapes the heart as much as the mind.