May 1st is traditionally the official end of the college application process – the finish line! And although this year it may seem like a lot remains up in the air, hopefully you can find some happiness in knowing that at least the applications are behind you.
As the days of senior year wind down, now is the time to acknowledge the people who have made a difference in your high school experience. Teachers, counselors, coaches, and others have all helped shaped the person you have become. Take some time to let them know the impact they have made. A heartfelt thank-you note can make all the difference to a teacher or advisor, especially at a time when many of them are also struggling to adapt to these new circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are the top DOs for saying “Thank you”:
DO:
- Say “Thank You” in writing. Although a card is great, an email will work as well.
- Write the note yourself. Do NOT let your parent write this note. It should come from you.
- Be specific in your expression of gratitude. Include a favorite memory of a class, or a game, or a moment that stands out to you in your relationship.
- Tell this person how they made a difference in your life.
- Set a deadline and write your notes/emails before graduation.
Your teachers, counselors, and others who have helped you through high school rarely get a thank you from the students they served. Especially this year, many will be missing the in-person hugs and high fives on the last day of school. Make their day by remembering and acknowledging their contributions.
“None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone’s help is a big part of understanding the importance of saying thank you.” – Harvey Mackay
Take Action
Create a task and deadline for yourself to get your thank-you cards completed. Use your Letters of Recommendation to review all your teachers, counselors, and community people who might need a personalized “Thank You.”
Congratulations on your achievements! You have made it this far! I am beyond proud of each of you and cannot wait to see you thrive on your next journey. If you need any advice in the future, do not hesitate to reach out! Never forget my motto that I adopted here at EdMission Possible: “Once you are my student, you will always be my student…” You are always welcome here…
Good luck in college and beyond!
Warmly,
Burcak Deniz Cakir
Founder and President | EdMission Possible
Phone: +1(732)640-5550
E-mail: bdcakir@EdMissionPossible.com
Burcak Deniz Cakir has a B.A. in Foreign Language Education, an M.A. in English Language Teaching, and an M.B.A., all of which have laid the solid foundation for her professional experiences as an educator. She has completed the College Counseling Program at UCLA, which is known to be the most prestigious certificate program in the profession. She has previously taught English as a Foreign/Second Language (EFL/ESL) in Turkey and in the U.S. at Virginia Tech, Harcum College, Rutgers University (Newark and New Brunswick Campuses), and Pace University. Having taught EFL/ESL at the college level for over 20 years, Burcak can communicate effectively with college-age students from different countries. She is bilingual in Turkish and English. Her extensive experience with international students from many countries including but not limited to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Korea, and China has given her the opportunity to understand their unique problems that domestic students may not be facing throughout the college admissions process, such as but not limited to extra testing requirements (TOEFL, IELTS), the translation of high school transcripts and recommendation letters, different financial forms and statements required, visa issues, being homesick, culture shock, etc.
Burcak is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and a Voting Member of the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC). She currently lives in Edison, New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, and her four-legged son. In her free time, she can be found spending time with her family, reading (lots!) about college admissions and college essays, watching her favorite movies, getting lost in design magazines, and decorating her house.
This blog post is a part of EdMission Possible’s #AskTheGuru Series. Its content was provided and brought to you by:
