Bilkent Support Network
BY MELEK CANSU PETEK (ELIT/I)
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before beginning to improve the world."
Anne Frank
To be honest, I wasn't going to write about this. The original plan was to write a boring article on art's place in my life/our lives and how it affects me/us. Hold on to your sighs of relief, though -- I'll write that "thing" sooner or later. But today, I have a proposal!
This is a sort-of project that has been in my mind for quite some time. Actually, I wanted to keep it underground but then realized, why not share it? If you picked up this newspaper, you're most probably a part of the Bilkent community, and this proposal is for you!
I'll stop jabbering right now and explain what the "Bilkent Support Network" is. (I admit the name is not that cool, but what can I do sometimes?) Well, a very basic description is, "Let's find fun, creative, and mostly free ways to make each other happy!" In other words, "Let's be friendlier!"
The starting point for this was seeing a LOT of sulky faces on campus. And also realizing that we (Turkish people) like staring at each other, but when it comes to smiling, we're not that generous. Of course, you don't need to be bffs with everyone, but wouldn't it be better to exchange a bit of small talk or at least smile?
Then I saw that photo on Pinterest (a great website, by the way) -- "Take what you need" -- and someone who saw it was explaining how she had been feeling really terrible that day and seeing a note like that made her feel better. I thought it was brilliant! As a little copycat, I put a post-it on our bathroom wall and wrote "Have a great day!" on it. Soon enough, there was another note under that: "You too," with a little heart. There you go! I know at least one person saw it, and that makes a difference!
You might be still wondering why you should even bother. I'll tell you why:
1. It's completely free. I'm planning to put little gifts here and there as well, but a note is more than enough.
2. Happiness grows bigger as you share; so do good thoughts.
3. One happier person WILL make a difference; I'm saying this based on past experience.
4. You'll also feel better after taking this action, I promise.
So if I've convinced you to join our secret cult, here are a few ideas on how to start:
1. Smile. Next time you realize someone is staring at you, smile at them. If they smile back, good -- you're infectious. If they don't, you're confusing, and it's fun.
2. Little post-it notes. What you write on them is totally up to you (hoping that you won't write anything bad, of course). "Have a great day," "You look beautiful today," "You know what? Everything will be fine" are just a few examples. There are gazillions of inspirational/ motivational quotes -- they're not all as cheesy and weird as what you'd find in a self-help book.
3. You can alter the "Take what you need" poster and make your own. You can change the order and/or add things related to a student's life -- "homemade food," "already-done laundry," "clean dishes" and so on.
4. You can suggest things you've done and enjoyed. A good movie you've seen lately, a nice café/coffee shop you've been to (I'm still looking for a nice coffee place, let me know too!), a book you've read, or even a class you attended (that would help people next time they register for courses).
These are some small things that I was able to think of in a short time -- I'm sure you can come up with more and better ideas. Take these as starters -- the main course is on the way!
As a side note, if you wonder whether I'm happy all the time, I won't lie. I'm certainly not. I don't live on the top of a rainbow nor am I a unicorn with a long, silky tail, but a little more happiness won't hurt anyone, I know that for sure. I'm going to do this Bilkent Support Network thing even if you all think that I'm a self-delusional idiot, but what do you say, shall we be idiots together?
Oh, I almost forgot to say: Have a GREAT day!