As a college student, I find myself often wondering how, at this point of my life, I can make a small difference in someone's day. I think it's a common thought of many college students that time and time again get pushed to the back burner--not because we don't care, but simply because sometimes we don't have enough time to brainstorm and carry out elaborate acts of kindness.
It's hard--balancing school, work, your mom's text messages, and half-doing most online assignments. Although there may not be enough time to bake for your issues and trends in environmental whatever science class and write your roommates appreciation notes, there always will be enough time for these 7 things.
1. Acknowledging the people you walk past
You don't have to be all happy and optimistic about it, but giving the person you walk past a small smile of acknowledgment not only goes farther than you realize, but it will also make the encounter that much less awkward. Acknowledging someone's existence lets them know that they matter, and everyone needs to know that they matter.
2. Letting those few people turn left
We all know how annoying it is when you're trying to leave a busy event or turn left on a crowded street, and you simply can't get out of the parking lot to start your drive home. Letting a few people out of the parking lot will only take a few seconds, and it makes their drive home that much less stressful.
3. Remaining seated until the professor is finished speaking
Do you truly need that extra few minutes? If you do, more power to you, but the vast majority of us honestly have the time to remain seated until our professors are finished speaking. Even professors need to know that their voices matter; it's a small act of kindness and courtesy that will speak volumes.
4. Remembering to say thank you
Gratitude is very much so underrated and never goes unnoticed. It makes your friend or whoever feel needed. Letting someone know that something they did made you feel important will, therefore, serve as a win for the both of you. College, fortunately, and unfortunately, is full of favors, and a humble and grateful recipient is always someone worth giving favors to.
5. Saying hello to family back home
Not to be blunt, but your grandparents, if they haven't passed already, will not live forever. They want and look forward to hearing from you. Making an effort to contact those from back home will brighten their entire day. It's easy to forget sometimes, but they're always hoping to hear from you.
6. Addressing someone by name
It's such a small thing, but it's so flattering when someone you have just met remembers your name. It lets you know that he or she was paying attention to who you are and cares about what you have to say. It can be so difficult to remember names, but it will, in the slightest way, make someone's day a little brighter.
7. Giving a genuine compliment
There's such a difference between "You look hottttttt" and "Those jeans really flatter your figure, where did you get them?" It sounds dumb, but there really is! Genuine and authentic compliments really do go the extra mile. Not only physical compliments but acknowledging the small successes of others is favorable as well. It shows someone that his or her presence is important and valued.
There won't always be enough time in the day...or money in your checking account...to do all the kind things you wish you could; there just won't be.
But there will always be enough time to consciously make an effort to do these 7 little things. Small acts of kindness form unlikely friendships and just make the world a better place to live in. And the world can always continue to be a better place.
