.png)
 |
| Easton Depp Class of 2019 |
In elementary school, I ate lunch in the cafeteria, like every other child. At the end of my lunch, I took my lunch tray to the cleaning station, dropped it off, and gave the customary “Thank you!” in my high-pitched squeal. The little old lady working the station responded with, “You are welcome,” and would flash me a smile. I noticed that most of the other kids didn’t acknowledge the lady at all, and I felt bad for her. So, I made it a point to always thank her for helping out. I thought nothing of it.
In fourth grade, I was selected to compete in the state geography bee. I received some local news attention, and appeared in the local newspaper. Of course, it was a minor accomplishment, and not many knew about it. However, about a week after I appeared in the newspaper, I walked to drop off my tray at the cleaning station. I handed over the tray, and said “Thank you!” The lady working the station responded with, “You are welcome, and here, I have a little gift for you.” She proceeded to hand me a framed cutout of my newspaper clipping, a bag full of candy, and a backpack.
This is one of those moments I remember quite vividly. It demonstrated that the little things can have the biggest impact. Just by thanking this old lady, I had made a big enough of an impact in her life that she kept track of my success in the geography bee and congratulated me for it when the rest of the school had forgotten I had even attended the event.
Small acts of appreciation can improve another’s day, and it only takes a moment out of your day. Ever since fourth grade, I have striven to always be appreciative of others and any assistance they provide me. You should too. Being appreciated by another can put everything in perspective, and make a difficult day bearable. Plus, you may just get a bag of Airheads of out it.
Thanks to my parents, the McConnell Center, and that little old lady working the Johnson Elementary cleaning station.
Easton Depp is a freshman McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville where he studies political science.