At Harvard Law School, most students pass through each day without noticing the staff who keep things running. Rehan Staton did the opposite.
While studying at the school, Staton made a point to speak with custodians, dining workers, and other staff members. Some said he regularly stopped to thank them and even introduced himself.
At first, the attention stood out. Staff members recalled wondering why a student would go out of his way to acknowledge their work. But when they learned more about his background, it made sense.
Before attending Harvard Law, Staton worked in sanitation. He was employed by a trucking and trash removal company in Maryland, where his job included refurbishing dumpsters. He said the experience shaped how he sees people in those roles.
Staton himself has experienced being spoken to negatively as a sanitation worker. Those experiences stayed with him and have changed the way he approached his time at Harvard.
While in law school, he started a nonprofit called Reciprocity Effect. One of its first initiatives focused on recognizing the school’s support staff.
Earlier this year, the group organized a formal awards banquet for Harvard Law employees. The event honored custodians, cafeteria workers, and others who typically work behind the scenes.
Staff members said the recognition was unexpected. For some, it was the first time their work had been publicly acknowledged in that way.
Staton said the goal was simple: to make sure people felt seen and appreciated.
He graduated from Harvard Law this year.
Watch more of Rehan's story below:
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