Sometimes It Just Takes a Smile.

Before you read, I want you to find a song that just brings wonder to your heart, the song that makes you think of something pure. I am listening to Sinking Friendships by Jonsi if you wanna see if it works for you!

As cheesy as it is, I live by the quote

 “Life is like a roller coaster: it has ups and downs.”

You never know when someone is having a down. I look around the campus and see students and professors avoiding eye contact, not lending a hand, and letting the door close behind them when another is coming. 

Going to the Starbucks on campus and ordering and just walking away, instead, smile and say “Thank you and I hope you have a great day”

The cashier at the grocery store who has been working on her feet all day just trying to support her family, smile, and say “I hope you have a great day”

To the Miami custodians who show up every day and clean up after us, when you see them, smile and say “Thank you so much for your work, I really appreciate it”

Know YOUR impact, know how YOU can make a difference in someone's day. Ask them how they are feeling, tell them that they are being heard, and smile.

Sometimes all it takes is a smile.

We learn about leadership and how to be innovative and make a difference, finding the problem and finding a way to fix it. I am sure some of you are wondering how you can make an impact, and how you can be a leader today. 

Sometimes all it takes is a smile.

I encourage you to keep your head up, and eyes open. Looking for anyone who could also be looking for one, and smile, and I mean a real one, where your eye crinkle at the corners and your teeth shine. 

Because, trust me, when someone is in a down, they will remember the small acts of kindness and the impact of a simple smile.

By: Katie Kulis

Year: Junior

Major: Speech Pathology/Audiology and Education Studies

Minor: Entrepreneurship

Hometown: Kent, OH

Fun Fact: I am a sucker for a good inspirational true-story movie.