How To Deal This Time Of Year: Wise Words From College Students

Before fall break, we left a jar in our college's community space with simple instructions: help us fill it with messages of hope, inspiration, and gratitude. Our students did fill the jar. They filled it with kindness, encouragement, art, and poetry. Our intention was to share the motivational messages with our students during finals week, but we think there are a lot of people who can use some kind words this time of year. So if you are taking finals, graduating, feeling lonely, unsure, or just wondering what to do next - this is for you.

The jar.

Warner College of Natural Resources

The instructions were simple: help us fill the jar with thoughtful words. We didn't tell them why. We thought we'd recycle their messages to motivate them during finals week, but we didn't know they'd be so wise.

Sometimes, it's this simple.

Warner College of Natural Resources

You're doing great!

You get lots of credit for trying. And some wonderful surprises.

Don't worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.

Remember why you are working so hard.

Warner College of Natural Resources

I am thankful for this education that I'm hopeful will end up to me helping create a better world.

You are strong.

Warner College of Natural Resources

Individually you are strong. Together we are strong. Strength and love abound. Happy life!

Yes, you are.

Warner College of Natural Resources

You are loved.

There will be cloudy days, but ...

Warner College of Natural Resources

Even on cloudy days the sun still shines!

Follow your path. You've got this.

Warner College of Natural Resources

You are stronger than you know and more amazing than you realize. You've got this.

Breathe.

Warner College of Natural Resources

Take time to stop and smell the flowers!

Live slow and keep it simple.

Warner College of Natural Resources

Sit and pull the thistles.

Give positive energy to everyone.

Warner College of Natural Resources

Always realize your actions have equal and opposite reactions - give positive energy to everyone.

Go get 'em.

Warner College of Natural Resources

Today is your day! Fill your heart with gratitude and go get 'em!