A header that reads Z. Smith Reynolds Library Student Worker Chronicles. Tales and musings from the student workers in Public Services. The design is in the style of a newspaper masthead.

Over the last ten years, I have become known to many people by my constant use of the phrase “Thank you.” I have even been told that I say ‘thank you’ too much, as though gratitude is unnecessary, or that showing too much gratitude is insincere, or even unhealthy. Gratitude may at times seem more like an emotional response, and not a logical one. And maybe it is because of this assumption- that gratitude is more aligned with emotion- that so many people minimize the role of gratitude, or even avoid it altogether. Yet, gratitude is the most logical of all responses to what is going on around us.

Gratitude is not just about being grateful for people, places and things, it is also a way of navigating the very harsh world that we live in. Gratitude is a powerful, life-giving force and has as much effect on people as anger does. For instance, your gratitude from the mountain top (when used with empathy) may be the strength someone finds to climb out of their own valleys; gratitude can serve as an ointment through difficult conversations or bring a rainbow to someone’s cloudy day. I know, it sounds cheesy. But don’t underestimate the power of gratitude- in your life, or sharing it with someone else.

Favorite Moments and Thankful Hearts

“We always play football before dinner, then afterwards we put up the Christmas tree. I am thankful for my family and friends.”

“We always play games in between Thanksgiving meal and dessert with the whole family. I am grateful my family always supports me.”

“I grew up having a tradition of eating stuffed turkey and raviolis, and seeing my relatives and family while watching football.”

“My favorite family recipe growing up for Thanksgiving is definitely mashed potatoes. There’s not too much to it, but when butter and cream is added to the cooked potatoes it is really good along side the turkey. I am very thankful for having the opportunity to travel in 2025. I was able to study abroad in London, go to Italy, Spain, France, and even Austria!”

“I’ve grown up celebrating Thanksgiving as a large gathering of family with music, dancing, games, and the best food. It’s the best to be with all of the family sharing gratitude. From this last year, I’m the most grateful to have been able to travel the world and grow personally.”

“I am most grateful for my support system. I come from a big city but didn’t have many friends growing up. Here at Wake I’ve found so many people I have grown to love and care about and who have done the same for me. I am so grateful to experience so much love and life in all of my new relationships and it truly warms my heart to have built such a big bubble.”

Look at You!!

Great news! After 2 years of dedicated work by our student employees (and a few staff members), The Grand Shifting Project has been completed!

“The purpose of the shifting project was two-fold
  • To correct issues with the organization and distribution: ZSR had 4 different types of collection distribution ( U-shape, on Reynolds 8; S-shape, on multiple floors; parallel, on Reynolds 4; and a combination of distribution types, on Reynolds 2 West and Reynolds 1)

After the shifting, all collections in the Reynolds wing are organized in S-shape.

  • The second objective was to compress collections to consolidate available space to empty Reynolds 6. Reynolds 6 will be used to create additional study areas.”

We are so thankful for our dedicated student employees who put so much time and effort into rearranging an enormous amount of books. This moved with such speed and efficiency thanks to all of you! Be on the look out for a celebratory special edition of the Student Employee Chronicles in December that will highlight the 2 years of this project.

Dear Student Employees, make sure to take advantage of quiet moments to really rest your minds. You will feel much better when you return to your studies and work.