Student-led positivity campaign spreads joy and community ahead of finals

DECEMBER 10, 2024 — In the lead-up to final exams, the UTSA Main Campus becomes a hub of activity as students prepare for one of the most challenging times of the semester. Amid the hustle, something uplifting is taking place — motivational notes and flyers pop up around campus, all part of a student-led “positivity campaign” designed to brighten the days of fellow Roadrunners.

This initiative, spearheaded by students in Lauren Riojas-Fitzpatrick’s Academic Introduction & Strategies (AIS) courses, has grown into a cherished tradition. An assistant professor of instruction and the AIS arts and humanities pathway coordinator for the UTSA University College, Riojas-Fitzpatrick started the campaign during the first semester the university returned to full in-person operations after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After the pandemic, I noticed students were more reserved and less connected than before,” said Riojas-Fitzpatrick, who has been teaching with the AIS program since earning her M.F.A. from UTSA in 2019. “I wanted to create a safe space for them to connect with one another and extend that sense of community to the larger UTSA student body.”

“This campaign is about so much more than giveaways. It’s about connecting with each other, supporting one another, and spreading happiness. That’s something we can all benefit from.”

Noah Liendo and Kyle Mulachy show some of the positive message posters that were placed around the Main Campus.

At UTSA, AIS courses include a service-learning component to foster civic engagement and skill-building. After reading her students’ reflection essays, Riojas-Fitzpatrick realized that the group they could best serve was their own peers.

“All of my students care deeply about making the world a more beautiful place,” she shared. “What could be more meaningful than starting right here on our campus?”

A tradition of kindness

The campaign began as a guerilla-style art project, with students writing motivational messages on Post-it notes and notebook paper to post across campus. While the motivational posters remain a standard feature, over the semesters the campaign has evolved into a day-long event featuring giveaways of candy, stickers, pens, keychains, and other items inscribed with uplifting messages.

This semester, the Positivity Campaign event took place near the Sombrilla on December 5, drawing hundreds of students throughout the day. Many of the AIS students stood by tables strewn with the giveaways and encouraged their fellow students to stop and pick out something, while also sharing well wishes for finals. Others spent the day putting the motivational posters up all across campus.

“I have seen so many students walking around who look like they’re dreading going to their next class,” said music major Kaleb Mulcahy. “Seeing their faces light up when they realize we’re giving away candy and fun stuff for free with no strings attached aside from spreading positivity — it’s clear this boosts their happiness.”

For Japanese major Christina Garrido, the campaign is about creating real human connections.

“We step back from technology and hand-write notes to inspire or motivate someone who might be struggling or stressed,” she explained. “It feels really good to be helping other students.”

Garrido, who is a transfer student from Hawaii, also praised Riojas-Fitzpatrick for fostering a welcoming, supportive environment. “This class has helped me make friends and find my place at UTSA. It’s all about community.”

Supporting student well-being

This semester, the campaign included more flyers than ever before, many featuring mental health resources alongside motivational quotes. The event is a testament to UTSA’s commitment to student well-being, offering encouragement during one of the most stressful times of the academic year.

“These small acts of kindness go a long way in creating a supportive campus culture,” said Riojas-Fitzpatrick. “It’s amazing to see the joy it brings to both the students creating it and those receiving it.”

As the final exam for Riojas-Fitzpatrick’s students, the Positivity Campaign represents the culmination of their learning in AIS — a program that equips first-year students with the skills to succeed in college, explore majors, and set goals for their futures.

“This campaign is about so much more than giveaways,” said Noah Liendo, a music major. “It’s about connecting with each other, supporting one another, and spreading happiness. That’s something we can all benefit from.”

UTSA’s University College is committed to equip people to flourish in the world by offering innovative interdisciplinary degree programs at the doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s levels. University College is also home to AIS program, the Writing Program, Dual Credit program and award-winning Air Force and Army ROTC programs.

— KC Gonzalez