“Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.”
– Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
As we move toward Christmas, let’s remember the words of the Grinch, ““It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags.” The Grinch thought, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” Of course, at Saint Mary’s we know that Christmas does mean a little bit more as we see it everyday in the acts of caring from our faculty, staff, and students. I am so delighted that this week several students and employees shared with me caring moments that they have experienced here at Saint Mary’s.
- A student sent an email with the subject line “We have the best faculty.” She shared the following: “A faculty member sat for an hour with me (and an hour past the workday) to share life stories and words of encouragement because they noticed I needed cheering up. I am grateful every day that my faculty care so much about me.”
- A student shared the following after a staff member had facilitated some networking with an alumnus: “ You are just another reason why Saint Mary’s is set apart from the rest.”
- Two students sent these messages in response to a rather funny Christmas card sent by two staff members to student leaders :
- “I just wanted to say thank you for the Christmas card. It truly is one of the highlights of this semester and it was the best thing I had ever seen.”
- “Thank you for the Christmas card! It made my day!! “
What student, staff or faculty member has stood “heart to heart and hand to hand” with you? Reach out to that person and tell them what they mean to you. It will be the best Christmas present they receive.
Email me at caringcardinals@smumn.edu and share your stories about caring and kindness. Caring creates community.
Merry Christmas!
Ann Merchlewitz
