One morning before Thanksgiving break, I stopped by the Bidgood bathroom between classes, where a University custodian was cleaning. Trying to stay out of her way, I entered a stall, left to overhear this conversation. Another student entered the bathroom and said to the custodian, “I just want to let you know how much I appreciate everything you do.” The custodian thanked her, saying the customary, “You just made my day!” and the student left. This random act seemed nice enough to me but nothing to be noted as particularly exceptional. It was when I emerged from the stall that I realized the impact the student’s words had – as I washed my hands, I heard sobbing coming from the end of the room. The custodian, so moved by the student’s words, had burst into tears. I was left speechless – who knew that one person’s words would make such a difference in the woman’s day? And not only that, but why had it not occurred to me to do the same?

I know this story sounds like the age-old adage of “do unto others,” but I think there’s something to be remembered in this occurrence. Far too often, we all just go about our day-to-day business on campus and forget to pay attention to those around us. Two weeks ago we celebrated Thanksgiving, a day when we all stuff ourselves with turkey and dressing and watch football all day. Let’s make a commitment, as students of The University of Alabama, to also give thanks – not only on Thanksgiving, but every day. S o I’d like to say thank you, from all of us, to everyone who helps keep this campus running. To the custodians, the Bama Dining staff, the librarians, the professors, the administration and everyone in between. It sounds sappy, I know, but without all of you our lives at the University would not be the same.

But I’d also like to say thank you to that anonymous student in the bathroom, whoever you are, for reminding me how important it is to just give thanks.

Mary Sellers Shaw is a sophomore majoring in communication studies.