by Jeanine Johnson

The work experience is so much more rewarding when you choose to become engaged and part of the work community.  One way I have done this besides getting to know the kids and forming awesome bonds, is by beautifying the office.  When I first started working at Easterseals, I asked if it was ok to decorate. It was around the winter holidays, and I wrapped my door like a big gift.  It seemed to bring joy to those around me and things took off from there.

I started decorated my door periodically.  Usually, season related or to mark the start of the school year.  Trying to spread positivity.  These acts afforded me the opportunity to get to know my co-workers.  Where one might not have necessarily had a reason to stop by and chat, the door and bulletin boards now opened up conversations.  I didn’t expect it to take off as much as it did.  People anticipate the door change and often ask me what I am doing next.  That adds a little pressure, but it’s all good. I keep it a secret every time.  Mostly because I am never sure.  I have to scour Pinterest for ideas.  I have expanded to decorating some of my coworkers’ doors.  One casually mentioned that his door had never been decorated so of course I had to remedy that.

At minimum, my door and the bulletin board outside my office will be decorated.  Though, to be honest, no undecorated bulletin board or door is safe from my handy work.  If the feeling hits, it’s getting decorated!