Saying goodbye to the janitor who always smiled.
SAYING GOODBYE TO THE JANITOR WHO ALWAYS SMILED.
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We arrived on campus, perhaps overwhelmed, certainly ambitious. Our days blurred with lectures, late-night study sessions fueled by caffeine, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We chased internships, debated global issues, and dreamt of futures shaping industries. In this high-octane world, it was easy for certain figures to blend into the background, part of the scenery rather than the story.
Yet, some moments, some people, defy the blurring. Think of the quiet presence, the steady rhythm of a broom sweeping a deserted hall at dawn, or the familiar figure emptying bins while you wrestled a complex problem set. Specifically, think of the janitor who always smiled. Not forced politeness, but a genuine, unburdened smile that seemed to understand the weight on your shoulders, offering momentary lightness. A nod in the hallway, a soft greeting that cut through your internal monologue.
Leaving that hallowed ground meant saying farewell to professors, mentors, friends. But it also meant leaving behind these quiet anchors. That last walk past their cart, the final exchanged glance, perhaps a deeper appreciation for their silent contribution to our daily lives. They were a constant, a reminder of simple human kindness amidst the grand academic theatre. These aren't achievements listed on resumes, but quiet, persistent echoes in our hearts, reminding us of the true fabric of our time there. Moving on, we carry the lessons, and these tender, unexpected connections.
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