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recent entries "My take on Thanksgiving" "Belichick used results from dynamic programming!" "I know he's not to blame, but..." "In sickness and in health..." "Fall Beautiful"
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Apr 17, 2008 southern hospitality:)The other day, as I walked past the front desk I heard “good morning,” I walked out the front door past massive amounts of construction and the workers nodded good morning back to me, I walked into my building past someone I knew and heard a loud “Hey Joy.” I finally make it to my office and I am floored. I’m starting to feel like my presence here is actually acknowledged. When I first arrived I spoke to everyone (including random people on the street, people on the T, my professors, fellow classmates, construction workers, and even some tourists taking pictures on Mass ave) without so much as giving it a thought. Its the southern way of life, as ordinary as grits and sweet tea. But the cold silence that was returned to me day in and day out, made me feel unwanted, out of place, and somewhat invisible. However, it did not deter me! I continued to flash my smile full of metal braces, make eye contact, say “good morning” to every unfortunate soul who had the pleasure of crossing paths with me. I had a developed a personal relationship with the lady who serves breakfast at Fresco’s, so much so that one day I forgot my money and she said “don’t worry, I know you will be back,” and gave me a smile back and my breakfast. I know all the people on my daily route to building 39, the students, janitors, secretaries, professors, doormen, and some policemen by name and smile alike. Life is too short not to acknowledge your neighbors, you never know if you were the only person to speak to them that day, the only smile they shared, the only kind word they heard, especially at a place like MIT. And sometimes when I’m down or obviously having a rough day, they poke fun at me, like where’s the smile! So, I guess the next step is for me to stop saying “Ma’am” and “Sir” and the southern classic…..”yall.” I don’t think that I will, its just the way I was raised. Its just southern hospitality! one small step for southern hospitality, one huge step for mankind(or MIT that is…)
2 Responses To This Entry:Post A Response
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Agreed Joy! A smile a day goes a long long way
Posted by: Grace on April 17th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
sometimes everyone at mit can seem very caught up in their own world, it’s nice to hear that someone makes an effort to says hi
Posted by: neha on April 30th, 2008 at 12:18 am