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

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."

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