Sticky-note person: Thank you

Dear Anonymous Optimist,

I don't know about you, but last week was a downright mess for many of us on campus.  We have been here for a month now, and on top of our ever-rigorous academic schedules, life insists on continuing.

Sophomores, such as myself, are starting the frantic scramble to figure out where we're living next year.  We'd like the convenience of staying on campus, but the chances of the lottery and the prospect of greater independence increase the allure of off campus housing.  But then begins the quest of finding a house and figuring out which of our friends we can stand to live with 24-7.

Study abroad deadlines are approaching and visas are stuck up in the process, while some of us are still trying to work out finances to see if we can even take advantage of the opportunity.

That first round of tests went out last week, too.  Did we pass? Will we be able to come back from that D?  Do we cram for history or religion the night before?  Getting a good eight hours, however — that has gone by the wayside.  When we're not rushing from class to Foley for a study session, we're sitting hunched over our computers with the second cup of coffee of the day at our elbow and typing out an essay.  Expectations of new professors, word limits, research papers …  It suffices to say our stress levels skyrocketed.

 As if academia wasn't enough, homesickness started to set into our hearts.  Sporting events and Homecoming drama are under way back at home with our younger siblings, and we're beginning to miss sitting in the stands, or even just cuddling with the family pet.  Some of us have had to deal with more serious matters as well.  Even the inevitable cold and flu season works against us to lower our spirits.  If we, ourselves, are not battling the sniffles, a close friend or roommate is and we have to work around staying healthy and on top of our classes.  

 As we reluctantly drag ourselves from our warm beds this last week to face another day of organic chemistry, circuits lab, or philosophy lecture, there were square spots of brightness scattered throughout Herak and College Hall:

"You are beautiful."

"Don't worry — it will get better."

"Somebody loves you."

It's funny how a simple sticky note on a window or a bathroom stall can change someone's day.  I first heard about these encouragements from my roommate who was on her way to a particularly difficult lab.  That simple office supply, scribed with a few uplifting words and a smiley face, brightened her day so much that, not only was she able to face her class, but she also told me and all our suitemates about it.  Throughout the week, I kept overhearing people telling others about your notes: "Dude, have you seen them?  They made my day so much better!"

I finally came across one last Friday, on my way to the first class of the day.  I couldn't help but walk up the rest of the stairs with a spring in my step that lasted all weekend. Your efforts have brought smiles to who-knows-how-many of your fellow students and have reminded us why we chose to come to Gonzaga.  Beyond just the people who saw your notes, but also our friends and peers whom we told about them, you have inspired us to take time to smell the roses and count our blessings.

It will all be OK, no matter what we happen to be facing, because we go to a school where even a random stranger cares about us genuinely. So here's to you: Thanks.

Sincerely,

     Your Gonzaga family who loves you back.