GRATITUDE – GIVING THANKS ALONG THE WAY
Welcome to May! For many this signals the last month or so of the school year. Seniors have made their final college choice, summer plans for family vacations and enrichment programs are being solidified, testing is on the horizon – AP Exams, SAT, ACT, Placement exams. It is definitely the home stretch on many levels.
As you near the proverbial finish line, crossing all “t’s” and dotting all “i’s”, here’s something to ponder: When was the last time you took a moment to express gratitude to those who have helped you along the way? Remember the teachers who wrote letters of recommendation on your behalf in support of your college applications? The counselor who reached out to you with information about scholarships for which you were eligible? The coach who helped you identify schools with DIII sports after a “reality check” conversation about the likelihood of playing at the DI level in college? The camp director who tapped you to be a lead summer camp counselor? These are people who believed in you and supported you along the path to your goals.
Gratitude – the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Expressions of gratitude and appreciation don’t have to be grandiose! A short, handwritten note, a “thinking of you” card, an email or even a voicemail all work. Not sure what to say? Speak from the heart – there are no “perfect” words. This is an opportunity to let the person know what’s new with you – progress in school/college, accomplishments in sports or music or the arts, internship experiences, travel adventures – lots of possibilities! You’d be surprised at how well these small actions will be received – and remembered. Yes, you can think of this as a form of networking, which we know is definitely a life skill!
As a counselor who’s worked with a wide variety of students of all ages, one of the greatest joys is reconnecting with former students. Visits and graduation announcements bring a special smile to my face. There’s a special young lady whom I’ve known since her senior year of high school (2009), and I’ve had the pleasure of staying in touch with her through her undergraduate and graduate programs, and also during her 2 year assignment in the Peace Corps. Now that she has returned home, we are scheduled to meet and discuss her job search. The mom of a former student sent me one of his cap and gown pictures, as he prepares for graduation from CSU Northridge this month. I chuckled as my eyes watered, knowing this young man’s journey – math was his nemesis, film is his passion – to receiving his degree in Communications and Film Studies. I recently witnessed a friend beam with pride as one of her former students who is now a local police chief, recognized her and shared fond memories from having her as his 5th grade teacher. It never gets old….
The takeaway is really simple. Recognize that none of us gets to where we are in life totally on our own. With that in mind, take action to express your thankfulness for someone’s kindness. They made a choice to support you, now you have the opportunity to let them know it mattered. Give it a try! And remember, The Journey Begins with You…!
Antoinette Battiste is an Independent Educational Consultant and 20+ year resident of Evergreen. She is an active volunteer with many community organizations in Silicon Valley, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators, Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce the African American Community Services Agency, and the Northern California Association of Morehouse Parents.
