It’s OK to Stop and Smell the Roses

“Stop and smell the roses Kate,” the nickname I was given as a young girl who just wanted to smell every flower. Quite literally I would smell every flower and every plant that came in my path, whether it was from the car in the parking lot to inside Publix or the short walk to the beach.  

As I grew a bit older, this nickname held more and more meaning. It evolved from its meaning of stopping to smell the flowers to being extremely observational. I was known to be on the quiet side but always knew what was going on. Not only was I aware, but I remembered everything; from the smell of my kindergarten classroom to the name of the man at church who shook my hand one morning. I noticed it all.  

As time went on, I only became more observant. People often judge me for this and see it as time consuming or something I need to work on. I disagree. I realized being observant and present is one of my greatest strengths. Not only do I remember names of people I’ve met once,  

or different routes to get home, but I’m more creative because of it. I’ll see inspiration in the smallest details. Take a few extra minutes and look at who’s around  you. Take a new route on your way home and see something new. Observe.

Name: Katie Wasiniak  

Year: Sophomore  

Major: Accounting and Entrepreneurship  

Hometown: Northville, Michigan  

Fun Fact: I watched the Space Shuttle launch from my backyard as a kid many times!