Human Connection

There was an office I recently worked in and every day there was someone there who smiled and fist bumped me. Every single day without fail.  Even as they were rushing out the door to meetings or leaving for the day. I recognized  that this little gesture made me feel appreciated. It made me feel seen.

It brought back a memory from when I was a kid. One of my favorite teachers in elementary school would have us enter the classroom in a line and would have special handshakes for each student. I never felt invisible in that class or unappreciated. I felt a genuine effort to make a connection, make me feel comfortable, and to see me as me. Talking with one of my close friends, a passionate preschool teacher, has reminded me of the care, dedication, and time that teachers take and how big of a difference it all makes in someone's life. This genuine acknowledgement of someone else, who they are, and the little big things they accomplish- my god, it makes all the difference.

I have been other places (as we all have) where I felt like another number, another student with their hand in the air, another front desk employee- these ambiguous and invisible titles. Feeling unacknowledged and unappreciated is an inevitable thing that we will face as employees, as students, as humans rushing through the day. But I really value and have worked to seek out moments of human connection. I strive to offer that to others as well.

My last day on that job, I decided to tell my coworker that I was leaving. The same person who fist bumped me every day quickly rushed back to their office and handed me their card.

"If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to call."

Keep in mind that, at that time, I had only held that temporary position for a month.

Another wonderful group of people I was lucky to work with was at a small community college outreach center. I worked with so many people there who created such an energy of support and acceptance. Working alongside others, I could see the time and energy they spent on supporting students and each other. Supporting and encouraging in little moments and gestures. In that office, I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking out moments of growth- even when that meant moving onto new opportunities that meant leaving the position. And that meant so much to me- to have such a sense of support behind me.

I am about to start a new position soon- a permanent one. One that people are calling my official "adult job." And not surprisingly I have found myself actively working avoiding my own thoughts- what if I don't get along with anyone.....what if I don't do well.....what if....the list goes on....

But I have to remind myself of all the wonderful people that I have met and how small moments of human connection and kindness made me feel aware of my own capabilities and encouraged me to be my authentic self everyday. As long as I create a space for myself and others where I foster that sense of acceptance, acknowledgement, and genuine interaction- I truly believe that it will create a space around me that is one I will also grow from.