“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”

― C.S. Lewis

I’ve learned that I need to remind myself to smile as I walk about in the world with others. It always works. Not only is it contagious but my own cold heart warms up. I think it’s just what everyone needs, some good mood spread about. One of my students last week asked me (in class) why I didn’t ever smile. I sarcastically told this American history class it was because none of them had ever heard of Dwight David Eisenhower.

It never fails to amaze me when I hear out of a students’ mouth what they remember I’ve done or said in the past. Typically something I’m completely unconscious of doing or saying.

I used to lead orientations for new faculty. One thing I would remind everyone was that our students very rarely remembered the grand lessons they were taught. But they always remembered the person who was leading their class. Always make sure to make meaningful memories as your real self.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

What can I do as I walk across campus each day and pass students heading into their futures? Mostly, I’m looking for ways to communicate somehow with people I don’t know. I’m fine with being that character on campus.

Seriously, as I walk to classes each day I can’t help but notice that there’s not much smiling happening. All these young people with their whole lives of promise ahead of them trudging along with a frown on their face. Way too much unhappiness on display. What can I do? 

I try to smile, ask a general question of each stranger, “Did you make it through Wednesday yet?” or later in the day, “Did you learn enough today?” It’s not that easy to say something. So many are wearing headphones or earbuds. Deliberately disconnected from social interaction for some reason. So, a smile or wave will have to do. Maybe a smile and encouraging word is all it takes to set the tone for a good day or end of the week.

At work, I’m wearing my funny costume so I always get noticed, my private college bow tie and a hat. A smile should also be required. Usually, as I’m walking to class I’m focused on trying to get my courage up – for the show that’s about to happen. Now is the time to notice everyone else.

“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.”
― Paulo Coelho

My own interactions at work have been dramatically reduced these days. I’m flying a mostly solitary trip through the clouds. What hasn’t changed are all these students sitting in class and passing me by on the sidewalks. Worried about their learning, trying to hold down a job, family stresses, surrounded by strangers, not very prepared for college (like I wasn’t), and working hard to make it through today.

Maybe a smile and and a little encouragement is just the blessing needed for today. No one can stop you from doing that!

“Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.”  ― Roy T. Bennett