When it comes time to this time of year, it’s natural to think about the many things in our lives that we are thankful for. It is especially important to express our gratitude for the people we are surrounded by, regardless if they are family, friends, or peers. In honor of this holiday season, take a few moments to thank the people here at WSU that have had an impact on your life.
Photo by Kelsa Katzfey ’21
Roommates
Whether you have one roommate or if you have multiple, living with them may not always be a walk in the park. However, you can show them how much you appreciate everything you have experienced together by organizing a fun bonding event. You can suggest grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant (such as Ground Round or El Patron), going out to see a movie at Winona 7, or challenging one another to a few games of bowling over at Westgate Bowling.
Your RA and Hall Staff
For those of you living in the residence halls, make sure to give your RA some love. It may not seem like it, but our RAs work really hard to ensure the safety and comfort of each student living on campus.
Swing by your RA’s room sometime during their open-door hours and tell them you are grateful for everything they are doing—compliment their bulletin board designs, door decorations, and floor events. Emphasize that they are doing a great job. If you have personally built a relationship with your RA, consider getting them a small gift like a mug and some hot cocoa.
Faculty
Our university would not be able to function without the help of our many faculty members. From the wonderful ID swipers and food servers in the cafeteria and Zane’s, to the assistants in the IWC and lifeguards at the Memorial Pool, to the administrative workers throughout campus, show your appreciation for what they do for you and your peers with a smile and “Thank you.”
Classmates
You may not be best friends with everyone you have class with—some lectures are really big! However, take some time to thank the people you have worked with on an assignment or group project. Better yet, if you have a certain group with whom you frequently study with, write them a short note and include a piece of their favorite candy.
Professors
Last, but not least, don’t forget about your professors! Whether your classes consist of lengthy lectures, group activities, or self-taught exercises, your professors put a lot of thought into the lesson plans of the courses they teach. We often forget that our professors also have lives outside of the classroom.
Although they are not perfect human beings (as none of us are!) they do their best to help us out when we have questions or when we are confused about class material. To express your gratitude, give them a card to show you appreciate what you have learned this semester. Above all, make sure it is handwritten rather than typed because it shows you took the time to think of them.
No matter the time of year, always make sure to say “thank you” to your family, friends, and peers here at WSU. Those two words go a very long way and what a great way to close out the semester!