For a School That Cares

by Mona Alawie

For what are you grateful? This question is often lightheartedly tossed around a dining table filled with an excessive amount of food—each dish taking up space until the weathered wood is no longer visible. There are common answers like food and a roof over our heads (things to be more than grateful for, of course), but what if we thought deeper about what we appreciate throughout our day, week, or month? What if when this question is asked, we don’t default to the obvious? What if we shifted the discussion to whatever causes us to smile or whatever makes our chests feel less heavy and hearts more full?

I walked out of class last week and it was raining, but there were still students around the Write Something! Desk that asked people to share what they’re grateful for. They were thinking about what to write on the little sticky notes and laughing together. A smile printed on my face, and right then, I was grateful for seeing students happy and witnessing the irony that they were living a loveable moment while pondering something loveable.

I thought about this same question extensively. What am I genuinely grateful for? What are things that I often find my inner monologue being thankful for? Well, there’s a list:

1. Finding a snack in the kitchen
2. The way snow falls (not the actual cold, though)
3. Long, tight hugs
4. My sister doing well on a test she was so worried about
5. Finally remembering that thing that was on the tip of your tongue
6. Sleeping in freshly washed sheets
7. Being able to breathe through your nose again after being sick
8. Sunshine ❤

As time progressed, the Kiosk became as covered as that full dining table but with sweet and wholesome sentiments. All of the colorful sticky notes, each stamped by a unique handwriting and individualized message. They were all meticulously placed in a perfect spot, and this began to represent the diversity of the University of Detroit Mercy. Each personalized square tells a story of how the writer interprets life from a kind and gracious outlook. One sticky note read “I’m grateful for the people I have in my life,” another said “Everything happens for a reason!” and someone added “My family and friends.” Some have encountered amazing people, some find peace in the belief of fate or karma, and others think the world of their loved ones. Each of these messages is layered and reveals something vulnerable about the person. They allow those swiftly passing by to read one of the most cherished aspects of people’s lives. It is a heartwarming and comforting feeling to not only share those aspects of our lives, but to also be able to relate and connect with the sentiments of others.

The funny thing is, I have grown to be grateful for a board in the middle of my college campus. A board that has collected smiles and little pieces of those around me. It has allowed me to shift my perspective and have a deeper appreciation for the little things, because even sticky notes and a few pens can truly make a long lasting and positive difference. So here’s number 11: For a school that cares.

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Mona Alawie is a recent graduate of Detroit Mercy, completing her major in Political Science and minors in Women and Gender Studies and Leadership. As an Arab American woman, she enjoys literature centered on diversity and uplifting voices that go unheard. Mona views poetry as an outlet for indescribable feelings and the most beautiful creations.