 1. Call Your Family Members and Friends from home
There is nothing more special then a call from someone you love. Take away five minutes from Facebook or Twitter and call someone you care about. I try to call my grandma weekly to tell her what is new and see how she is doing. I know she always appreciates the call and my time having a busy schedule. These little conversations show that you care and will make the day of the one you care about.
2. Surprise your roommates
When someone is having a bad day, the last thing they want to worry about is the dishes pilling up in the sink. Surprise your roommate one day by doing their dishes or buying them a coffee.
3. Give back to your RA
Your RA is constantly focusing on how to make things easier for you and make sure that you’re happy. Always focusing on other people can sometimes make RAs lonely, so be sure to say thank you and maybe even surprise them with something nice.
4. Thank your professors
If you really liked a lecture or class tell your professor! Professors appreciate feedback and want to learn more about their students. Taking advantage of professor office hours is a great way to talk about the class together.
5. Say hello to facilities and Sodexho workers
Let’s face it—Camille and the other Sodexho or Facilities workers are some of the coolest people ever. Take the time to say thank you and get to know the people who help keep our bellies full and our campus clean.
6. Start an email chain with your friends or organizations
Voicing what you’re thankful for can really put both you and your friends in a great mood. Start an email chain with your organization or group of friends to talk about what you’re grateful for.
7. Send cards or letters
With email and text messages being the dominant form of communication, it is always nice to hand write letters to your friends and family. It might take a little more time, but there is nothing more special then showing them you care. To make things fun, find cute stationary, write a funny saying or quote, or decorate the envelope. For someone special, show them you care by writing a love letter! Even if they live on the same campus, a handwritten letter shows just how much you care.
8. Respect your campus
We are all living in the same space, so make sure you take time to appreciate it! There are many little ways to appreciate your campus, such as picking up trash, recycling, and keeping communal spaces clean.
9. Embrace differences
One of the best aspects of college is the diversity of the students, professors, and faculty. For me, branching out to meet new people has been a wonderful way to learn about different cultures, ideas, and beliefs. It allows you to be more open and accepting of those around you.
10. The little things…
- Put a happy note on someone’s door
- Send thank you emails for meetings
- Say “thanks,” when sending an email (etiquette)
- Be appreciative of what others do for you/don’t take people for granted
- Don’t cut in line (especially at Seasons)
- Surprise your roommates with a positive message written in Expo marker on your bathroom mirror. It’s a fun way to tell them just how much they are appreciated!
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What’s your favorite way to show that you’re thankful? Tell us in the comments below!