College Success: Pay it forward.

Write thank you notes to people who add value to your life, for even the smallest of things.

Perhaps a professor gave you an extension on a paper or project.  

Maybe the cashier lady in the Commons is especially helpful and nice to you.  

A classmate offers to carry some of your stuff, or gives you a compliment.  

A security guard walks you to your car and waits until you're safely inside and the car starts.

These are all acts of kindness, and they deserve your recognition.

A short note expressing your appreciation for the specific gesture is not only good manners, but it will make the person feel great for having been nice to you, and it shows that you acknowledge that what they've done for you affected you in a positive way.  [Wouldn't you want someone to appreciate something you've done for them?]

This little note can make a big difference.

Slip the note under the professor's door, put it on your classmate's seat, hand it to the cashier lady when you pay for your food, or hand it to the security supervisor and let her know that one of her crew went out of his/her way for you.  

Your benefactors will be surprised and happy, and they'll be encouraged to continue doing good deeds.  As a bonus, thank-yous are a way for you to pay it forward and do something nice for someone else in return.

(c)2011-2016 Robyn King.  All Rights Reserved.