4 Lessons From Rainn Wilson Every College Student Should Hear | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Celebrities

4 Lessons From Rainn Wilson Every College Student Should Hear

Some wisdom from the assistant (to the) regional manager.

71
4 Lessons From Rainn Wilson Every College Student Should Hear

In This Article:

Last week, the man behind the funniest character on "The Office" came to my school, Miami University. Tickets were snatched up, everyone standing by the "I love watching 'The Office'!" statement that we put in our posts when we were looking for a roommate. But most of us didn't know much about Rainn beyond his iconic portrayal of a paper salesman. He talked about his media company, life, and search for joy, leaving us all happy not because we saw someone famous and hilarious, but inspiring and witty.

And between subtle "Office" references and jokes, he shared some lessons that a crowd of college students really needed.

1. Gratitude should be a go-to to boost your mood.

He made us all spend a minute writing out a note to someone we are grateful for and asked us to call that person to deliver the message. Rainn shared videos from his media platform SoulPancake that highlighted the immediate happiness of showing gratitude by doing exactly what we were instructed to do. Each person in the study left happier than they came. So on days when you are really down, consider that doing a kind thing for someone important to you or letting someone know you appreciate them might actually be the thing to boost your mood.

2. "Do what makes you feel alive."

Yes, this may sound like a cliche, inspirational phrase that would be posted on Pinterest with a mountainous sunset background. But Rainn spoke about how although he worked as an actor and followed all the steps we are told will make us happy, he was still feeling dissatisfied. This resonates with an audience of college students that don't always know what they want to do and need affirmation that doing what we want is the right thing.

3. You won't get joy from where you might expect it.

Having dedicated his career to trying to make people happy and make himself happy, he persuaded us that happiness is not always in the obvious places. He talked about a professor who asked his students to spend a weekend making themselves happy and then the next making others happy. The students had a greater jump in happiness after making others happy. Rainn encouraged us to question what we are taught, to be grateful, and to make a positive impact in whatever way we can. That can be advocating for a cause important to you, or, I think, being a volunteer sheriff's deputy like Dwight Schrute.

4. We should all make an effort to reach out to others.

Rainn instructed us all to spend a minute on our phones, then spend a minute talking to someone we didn't know near us. My phone wouldn't load in the crowded hall, but the girl next to me was named Anna. She had lived in a bad dorm her freshman year and didn't like the dining hall on the north end of campus. That minute was a lot more interesting than checking the email alerts I get from Canvas. I think we could all try to take small opportunities to get to know the people around us.

Rainn Wilson talked about how we are all having a shared human experience, and "The Office" is part of that human experience, in a way. So it's not a bad thing to try to find things in common with others through shows that we like, or that I have two laptop stickers of Michael Scott alone. Though not all of these are new ideas, when shared by an icon that has an incredibly interesting background that includes having been an employee at Dunder Mifflin, I will listen.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

3502
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

3071
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments