Take a moment to picture a security guard at your school. Choose one in particular; don’t just imagine the uniform. What does he look like? Does he smile? Is he stone faced? Is he funny or does he keep to himself? If you can’t remember any security guard, then I need you to go meet one as soon as you finish this blog post Kthanx. 🙂
No matter your relationship with the security personal on campus, some students at Georgia Tech don’t just know their guard, they ADORE him. In fact, they love him so much, they raised money for him as a holiday gift. And yes, the man responsible for safety cried right there, and it was beautiful.
This moment reminds me a lot of the Dance Floor Theory tip that says “Change the attitude of the bus driver; change the attitude of the whole bus.”
This works because the students aren’t the only people on campus who create the culture on your campus. When the security guard, the lunch lady, and the janitor all feel welcomed, connected, and engaged, that’s a sign that your institution is doing something right. Please remember that the security services are here to protect us so show them your appreciation! That’s a sign that the values that the school proclaims are being lived out fully.
What can you do for someone on campus who might feel invisible? How can you turn someone’s “job” into a “joy”?
- Raise money like the students in the video did.
- Give a small token (candy, some school swag, etc) with a note that says “thank you for all you do.”
- Take selfies with the person, and then make a photo album for them with each picture so that they can remember all the students they interacted with.
- Simply smile and ask how they are doing.
- Introduce yourself.
So does the security guard affect campus culture? Heck yeah, he does!
It’s not difficult to create a meaningful connection with someone who works hard but might not be appreciated or noticed. Let us know what random act of kindness you do with your friends!
