The fall academic semester is a crazy one, especially for high school seniors, trying to take the ACT/SAT, fill out college applications, submit scholarship applications, write essays, manage timelines… oh! and schoolwork…. and sports… and all the other things that make life what it is!

It’s nearly as crazy for other students too, especially in this Covid-time. It’s been a hard haul!

Finally, though, we are looking at the semester break which brings the holiday season and a chance to slooooooowww things down. Take a deep breath! Relax!

I sat by the fireplace last evening, writing out the holiday cards I’ll send to family and friends this year, and I thought it might be the perfect time to remind all Savvy students about an important task that, sadly, is too often overlooked.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” —Mother Teresa

We’re talking about thank you cards. Yes, actual cards. Like, physical paper cards that you write on, in your own writing, with a pen! No e-cards, no emails, no text messages. CARDS. Write them and then MAIL them to people. That’s what we’re talking about! Proceed.

Seniors:

Now is the perfect time to write thank you cards to the teachers, coaches, counselors, and any others who wrote letters of recommendation for your college applications. It doesn’t need to be fancy or lengthy. Just a short, kind note is enough! Here’s a sample:

Dear Dr. Kompur,

Thank you for taking the time to write a letter for my college applications. I appreciate your support! I will let you know how it all works out. Thanks again for your assistance. It is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Jake

Certainly you can personalize it more than that, but keep it short and simple!

Juniors, Sophomore, Freshmen:

You have people to thank as well! (How do you get people to write good letters for you when you are a senior?? By building relationships with them before your senior year!!)

• Do you have a teacher that helped you in your transition to high school?

• Do you have a coach that really made a difference in the way you think/train/play/practice/live?

• (Do you have any adult in your life who has been a positive force for you in any way??)

Taking a moment to thank them is a tremendous gift! What will you say? Here’s a sample:

Dear Ms. Nelson,

I just wanted to let you know what a difference you made for me this year. Moving to a new school was tough, but knowing I could always come to you with questions was really helpful. Your support made the whole process easier to manage. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Alisya

Include any details that really stand out to you… but keep it short and simple. This doesn’t need to be complicated or difficult!

A quick note on gifts

Are gifts necessary? Are they acceptable? Or appropriate?

The answer to those questions is… “It depends.” No gift is necessary, of course. Start there. No gift is necessary.

Is a gift acceptable or appropriate? Sure, but keep it inexpensive and simple.

• A little sampler box of chocolates or some other treat

• A travel mug if they drink coffee or tea

• A little potted plant or succulent

• This year? Could be a mask with a clever or saying that fits the situation.

No matter your age, grade, gender, or position, you surely have someone you can lift up this holiday season. (Moms and dads who are reading this, I’m talking to YOU, too!!) The world is a better place when we spread messages of joy and love and gratitude. ‘Tis the season, after all!

“No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” – Alfred North Whitehead

Now - get busy writing!