The first week of school is marked by new classes, awkward ice breakers, and the dreaded bookstore visit. Regardless of your year or major, a trip to the bookstore always means one thing: spending plenty of money.

Following syllabus week, I walked into the bookstore and rummaged around the back until I found all the books I would need for the upcoming quarter. While searching for used books online is usually a cheaper option, I have discovered that new editions of textbooks come out nearly every year.

So, with my arms full, I headed to the checkout line with my breath held. With so many hardcover textbooks, I know the damage will be significant.

There it was, the number that represented a huge chunk of my bank account. As I looked up to hand over my debt card, I saw a smile. Above the smile was a pair of glasses. The gentleman working behind the cash register was a familiar face.

With his kind eyes, I slowly forgot how terrible I had felt moments before. As I left, he wished for me a wonderful day and a successful quarter.

His kindness replaced the depressed feeling I associate with visits to the bookstore with a smile. Normally, I leave concentration only on my reduced bank account. Instead, I adapt the man’s optimistic outlook.

A week later, I had to return for a course packet that hadn’t been printed before my last visit. Again, I met the same gentleman at the cash register. He even remembered me, noting that at least my total wasn’t $400 again.

He truly made my experience so much better. I couldn’t imagine something making me feel better about spending so much money until I found a familiar face at the bookstore.