Get Inspired by the Staff at BSCTC
In the midst of hectic college life, where stressors and anxiety often take center
stage, a small act of kindness can go a long way. Imagine looking into a bathroom
mirror, only to find a handwritten note radiating positivity and encouragement. Such
simple gestures can brighten someone's day and remind them that they are not alone
in their struggles. At Big Sandy Community and Technical College, one staff member
decided to spread a wave of positivity to the campus community by leaving thoughtful
notes in the bathrooms around campus. Let's explore how this act of kindness touched
the hearts of many and created an uplifting environment within the community college.
The Positivity Effect:
Positive thinking and an uplifting environment have a profound impact on mental health
and emotion regulation. Studies have shown that exposure to positive messages can
improve mood, reduce stress, and increase resilience. With this understanding, Sara
Tackett, Senior Administrative Assistant in the Provost’s Office embarked on a mission
to promote a culture of positivity by harnessing the power of written words.
Tackett said, “I thought by putting these affirmations up in all bathrooms it would give us an opportunity to speak positive words over ourselves, which by repetition we would change our negative mindset to a more positive one.”
Leaving a Trail of Positivity:
Armed with colorful markers and a stack of sticky notes, Tackett started leaving uplifting
messages on bathroom mirrors across the community college campus. These simple notes
contained inspiring quotes, words of encouragement, or reminders to practice self-care.
From "You've got this!" to "Believe in yourself," each message was carefully crafted
to resonate with students, faculty, and staff members who stumbled upon them.
“Too often we tend to listen and believe the negative thoughts we sometimes think about ourselves or what we’ve heard others say about us,” said Tackett. “A lot of people use affirmations at home, so why not surround yourself with them at your job/school, too?”
In a world that often feels saturated with stressors and negativity, it is inspiring to witness the transformative power of a few heartfelt words. The college staff member's initiative to provide notes of positivity in bathrooms around campus created a ripple effect of kindness, connection, and resilience within the college community. These simple acts of anonymous encouragement served as daily reminders that no matter the challenges one may face, they were not alone. They highlighted the importance of spreading positivity in unexpected places and showed how a small gesture can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
As we navigate our own lives, let us remember the positivity effect and the impact we can have on those around us. A kind word, a thoughtful note, or a simple act of encouragement can create a brighter world for someone who needs it the most. So, let us embrace the power of positivity and strive to uplift others, one note at a time.
