Jack S.
If you're reading this, you might just be the reason somebody smiled today.
I'm Jack, a student at Syracuse University, and I have been teaching indoor cycling classes for almost a year. As much as riding a bike that goes nowhere seems dull, it actually is one of my favorite things to do. It was a job that I jumped at when the opportunity arose. I did not really know what I was doing at first, but I started my certification course and started preparing to teach my first class. Being on the podium leading a group has taught me so many important life lessons. One of them is to remember your value.
The space I teach in is set up so there is one elevated bike on the “podium” in front of the room and tons of bikes surrounding it. This means that I see everyone looking at me as I do the workout with them. It can definitely be intimidating looking at a bunch of people looking at you work out as they sweat and huff and puff their way through the forty-five minutes. At the beginning of my time teaching, my mind would almost immediately jump to the thought that everyone in this room must hate me. They don’t look happy– that's for sure. I try to be encouraging on the podium, motivating people to push a little harder, and still, to this day, there is that little voice in the back of my head after I speak that doubts my abilities. Was that too cheesy? Are you talking too much? Maybe you made the workout too hard this time. However, at the end of each class, I get countless thank yous, and people tell me how much they appreciated the class.
It is a constant reminder that even when you doubt yourself, there is someone - even if you do not know it yet and most likely never will - that enjoys your presence in their life. There is someone who looks forward to seeing you. Someone who found the joke you told funny or who is inspired by your work ethic. These people do exist. It is funny how, as human beings, our brains are wired to jump to the negative and make the default assumption that we must have done something wrong, when in reality, we are actually just unaware of the full situation. As the class moves into its final push, I like to remind people that there is someone in the room who is inspired by you today. Whether it be that they liked your outfit, that they appreciate your hustle, or that they just like your energy, they are impacted by your being in the room, even if you two never speak to each other.
So with that said, the next time you see someone and you like something about them or you appreciate them, even if they are a total stranger, tell them! The little compliment or even acknowledgement of someone else's presence in a room is what makes us feel human again. It is what makes life vibrant and meaningful. It can be scary to approach a total stranger – trust me – however, you might be the catalyst that changes the course of that person’s day.
Jack S., Syracuse University
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Syracuse on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Syracuse students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
AUTHOR CONTACT
This author has opted to allow readers who resonate with their story to contact them. If you would like to speak to the author of this letter about their experience, please use the form below.
