The Hope Gratitude Project

Gratitude, is it your attitude? This February, Hope students put gratitude into practice during the first ever Hope Gratitude Project hosted by the annual giving team.

“We are always looking for ways to educate students and get them involved; expressing gratitude for scholarship gifts really seemed to fit.”

The Hope Gratitude Project was a month-long student-focused event intended to encourage thankfulness throughout the Hope Community. The team provided calendars to students which contained one gratitude action per day and encouraged them to lead a full and grateful life. From positive personal activities such as “Complaint free day!” and “List ways you’ve impressed yourself” to interpersonal thankfulness like “Thank a professor who challenged you” and interactive events in the Bultman Student Center. The campus was brighter in a traditionally gloomy winter month.  

Through two events, students came together to write over 150 personal thank you notes to donors. One student exclaimed,

“This is so great! I’ve always wanted to express how thankful I am to people that give!” – Annie ‘20

The Hope Gratitude Project challenged us to balance academics, faith, family, and gratefulness (among a long list of other commitments). Being grateful to ourselves and others takes a small amount of time each day, and can have such a positive impact on daily life. A simple smile or encouragement to a friend can make a big difference in our lives, and other’s lives.

Being grateful doesn’t have to stop now that February is over. Keep it going, and find a way each day to complete a simple act of gratitude!

Published by Hope Potgiesser

Hi, I'm Hope. I am a junior at Hope College, currently pursuing a Communication Major and an English Minor. My hometown is Lawton, Michigan, and I am a former track and field athlete.

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