September is National Courtesy Month, so from random acts of kindness to polite exchanges to lifelong love — we’re celebrating niceness in all its forms.
Like in most places, life at NIU can have its chaotic and stressful moments, but campus is sprinkled with plenty of sweetness to remind us that maybe people aren’t all that bad.
What’s the nicest thing someone’s done for you today? And who’re you going to pass that sunshine to?
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE INTERVIEWS:
Rayne Yarbrough, a freshman health sciences major, is practically rolling in cash brought from love.
Q: “What’s the nicest thing someone’s done for you today?”
A: “Somebody sent me some money.”
Q: “How much money?”
A: “My dad only sent me $20.”
Luis Suarez, a junior art major, was saved from inconvenience by helpful strangers.
Q: “What’s the nicest thing someone’s done for you today?”
A: “Not today, I haven’t had anything like currently. But actually I think, what was it, Tuesday? I was like, my hands were full with like my art supplies, and then there were two women that were holding the doors, both doors open for me. So it’s kind of amazing. It was like, lucky, but I guess they were also kind of kind because, you know, they held it open.”
Jocelyn Thammavongsa, a sophomore business administration major, takes all nice words to heart.
Q: “What’s the nicest thing that’s ever been done for you?”
A: “I love it whenever someone kind of compliments me, and it genuinely makes my day, and it makes me, like, so happy. Like it could be as simple as like: ‘Oh, like, I like your hair,’ or like, ‘Oh you look nice today.’ I’m like, ‘OMG!’ Like, and it makes, it makes me so happy.”
Lon Fraley, a freshman business major, won’t forget the greatest courtesy of all.
Q: “What’s the nicest thing that’s ever been done for you?”
A: “Probably my momma though, she’d always come through when I need something. But other than that, I always got myself. So my momma, she do everything for me, so that’s the nicest thing.”
