Appreciation.

We all long for the feeling of appreciation. In fact, sometimes we need it to continue our passions in life...or do we. While I am not yet anywhere near and expert on Student Affairs, I am an expert in my myriad of leadership and student life experiences that have taught me something early on. We cannot expect appreciation, we cannot let it be the source of our energy, especially when appreciation isn't always shown in the most obvious ways. Something that a Peer Advisor struggles with, as I'm sure many in the profession do at one point or another, is not feeling appreciated. But why? Why do we need the verbal or visual respect of appreciation? Maybe it is just me, but sometimes, you just will not be and other times you will not know you are. Humans are hilarious. We have no problem fist-pumping, dancing like no one is watching, or become completely intoxicated in public...but to show how much you care and appreciate someone is a complete challenge. Showing our emotions is a problem. Opening up...well, it can sometimes take a professional to do that.

What I have lived by in my experiences is that you just can't allow yourself to be bogged down by the way someone shows lack of respect and appreciation. Most of the time, we forget the simple "thank you" or don't realize how body language of actions can lead others to believe you are unappreciative. As a student leader or professional, we really go out of our way for our students more than they will ever understand. If you understand that going into it, or you help them understand -- you will become less bothered by a lack of appreciation. You have to remember that you never did the job to be appreciated. You did the job because you care, and because you want to make a difference. Just know that you made a difference and don't expect to see that difference. Focus on the ones who do let you know how much you have done for them, and focus on those ones. Do not focus on the negative, focus on the positive. That's my biggest piece of advice to anyone who feels under appreciated.

Remember why you do what you do, and stay positive on the ones who energize you. When you focus on the negative you are asking for trouble and unhappiness.

A-Ram