If you had the pleasure of working, or having class in the Health Professions Building, on October 8^th, you may have seen the wonderful messaging that popped up overnight on Post-it notes. This was the collaborative effort of the Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology and Counseling department who coordinated an effort across campus with the Educational Psychology, Psychology, and Sport and Exercise Psychology programs to participate in Psychology Good Deeds Day. Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to leave a kind note for a friend or colleague or leave a random Post-it note to encourage a stranger or even give a shout-out in a department meeting or class.
Dr. Sharon Bowman, chair of the department of Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology and Counseling said of  her choosing to participate in this effort is because “ I have been more mindful of kindness in general for the past few weeks, in part because of the Random Acts of Kindness concept, and in part because the world seems to need a little kindness this year. I’ve committed myself to posting an inspirational quote on FB each day of October. It’s been interesting to see how many people respond to the sentiment being addressed.”

Bowman, along with Gwen Howell, Graduate Admissions Coordinator, and graduate student Sandra Bekoe were part of the crew hanging the sticky notes around the building.
Gwen said, of her part in this effort, “I really enjoyed this because it made me feel more connected with the rest of the college, and not just the department I am part of. I hope the people who read the sticky notes smile and realize that they belong here. College is hard and can be stressful, but everyone around them believes in their abilities and will empower them to succeed.”

Many individuals around the building marveled at the powerful messages written on the notes. You can see for yourself some of the heartfelt messages coming from students to strangers reminding themselves of their humanity and value in this world.