MANHATTAN, KS – A simple yet powerful gesture unfolded at Kansas State University’s campus, orchestrated by Irina Sheshukova, an instructor of floral design in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources. Sheshukova, along with some of her students, distributed two carnations—one pink and one red—to passers-by near K-State’s student union, intending to spread cheer during National Petal it Forward Day, a nationwide initiative endorsed by the Society of American Florists.
The act may have appeared uncomplicated, but the impact was far-reaching. “It’s a well-known fact that flowers make people happy,” Sheshukova emphasized, setting the stage for a heartwarming day of sharing.
Each recipient, like Mia Kingsley, was not only encouraged to keep a flower but also to gift the other one to someone else, spreading love and positivity. Kingsley, a K-State freshman from Olpe, Kansas, expressed her support for such acts of kindness. She said, “Random acts of kindness should be more common than they are. It’s neat that we’re trying to encourage people by getting one (flower) and giving one. It’s so cool that something so small can make a big impact on people.”
Backing Sheshukova’s belief in the uplifting power of flowers are several research studies. Researchers at Rutgers University have scientifically demonstrated that flowers have an immediate effect on happiness, generate long-term positive impacts on moods, and foster intimate connections. More recent studies published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture have highlighted emotional and mental health benefits from receiving plants, including reduced anxiety and stress, decreased depression, enhanced memory retention, greater happiness and life satisfaction, reduced effects of dementia, improved self-esteem, and a range of physiological benefits like better sleep, decreased diabetes, enhanced immunity, improved digestion, and decreased allergies.
Kenzie Liby, a K-State student and arts coach with K-State’s Union Program Council, which co-hosted the event, reflected on the importance of such gestures. “I learned last year that most men don’t receive flowers until their funeral. That’s a shocking fact to me. I feel like just little things we do for others here and there can change people’s lives. There are a lot of reasons to always be kind to people, but not a lot of people do it. I think it’s important to take the time to go out and do it.”
Sheshukova underlined the approaching holiday season as an additional opportunity to brighten others’ lives. She noted, “Nowadays, flowers are available throughout the year. Flowers give a sense of connection to nature and emotional connection to each other. Flowers are sentimental gifts that help create memories and brighten any occasion or holiday.”
Sheshukova’s K-State classes, attracting around 80 students each semester, serve as a refuge for those pursuing more demanding majors on campus. Meanwhile, others are focused on the floral industry, taking advanced classes as a stepping stone toward a future career. “I think a lot of people appreciate flowers,” Sheshukova said. “They’re beautiful and they smell good. I like the reactions of people when you give them a flower; I’ve had them tell me that I just made their day. We are trying to show the appreciation of flowers as well as the appreciation of giving and receiving flowers.”
Chloe Crooks, a K-State freshman from St. Joseph, Missouri, who attended the Petal it Forward event, expressed her intention to share the second flower she received with someone in need of a lift. Such acts of kindness, as demonstrated by Sheshukova and her students, reaffirm the belief that even the smallest gestures can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
