This morning I saw a new freshman student in the Cafe and was able to greet him by name.  I have been trying to learn all our new students’ names since orientation but for this student, this was the first time I was able to call him by his.  It made me feel great, much more connected to the student, and from the smile on his face, it made him feel good too.

 

A person who is really good with remembering names is Nancy Onorato in the SDS office.  She is amazing at remembering people’s names and once she knows your name, she always uses it when she sees you.  From my office, I can hear her greet students and I can hear the pleasure in their voices when they respond. There is something powerful about being known by our names and acknowledged that way.

 

Little things like learning each other’s names makes being in any situation more personal.  We feel like we belong, that we have a place and others expect us to be part of the community.  How nice it feels when we are connected.  Being in a new situation (job, school, housing) can be overwelming.  Once we find just one way to connect in that new situation, our anxiety lessens and we begin to feel more and more comfortable.

 

So my thought for the day is that we should take the time to learn each other’s names.  You have my permission to start with me.  When you see me in the hallway of Cecilia, the Cafe, Bally’s or at the movies, please feel free to try this out with a cheery “Hi Shane.”