The Art of Saying Thank You

One of my pet peeves is when I hold the door open for someone and they don’t say thank you. Oh gosh! It irks me. It’s two simple words that express gratitude for the smallest random act of kindness or the most extravagant sacrifices, so I’m confused why it’s so hard for people to say.

In the age of email, text, and tweets you hardly ever receive hand written notes. It’s a shame people don’t “have the time” to handwritten letters and notes these days. Hand written notes have a much greater impact because they are so rare.

Among your TV, refrigerator, and gaming consoles one thing you won’t think to bring with you is a package of thank you cards. You will need them at some point. Throughout your college career, there will be at least 5 times you should send a thank you. Here are some when and who’s when it comes to sending thank you notes.

After a job interview: It’s always good decorum to send a thank you after an interview. It shows that you are truly interested in the job. Plus, it gives them another reason to remember you.

After you receive a reference letter: It really is a special thing when a professor or employer has enough faith in you to write you a good recommendation letter. You will only spend a fraction of the time they took to craft your letter writing them a note quick thank you note. They will appreciate it and be all that much more willing to help you out in the future. 

Your friends: There isn’t an exact time when you should write your friends a thank you note, but at some point do it. Thank them for all the times they helped you with homework, or relationship woes. Thank them for making your college experience richer. What’s an experience without people to share it with? I am in the process of writing letters to all my friends who graduated in May. 

Your advisor: Your advisor is an amazing resource that hopefully you take advantage of during your time in college. They can help make sure you earn your degree in the most efficient way possible by saving you time and money.

Your mentor: Hopefully, during your time at college you meet an instructor, faculty member, upperclassman who has achieved the things you want to achieve. This is someone you will look to for guidance. Make sure they know you appreciate their help.

Your parents: Now I know when my parents read this they are going to say, “where’s my thank you?” To which I’ll reply your thank you comes in the form of my college degree. It’s tentatively scheduled to arrive graduation day. Just kidding my Mom and Dad! I couldn’t have made it this far without all your encouragement, love, support…money etc. Thanks a lot!