Skip to main content

Expressing Gratitude

We hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving break with your families. As things pick back up with finals, it is important to continue expressing gratitude. Take some time this week to tell your student that you are proud of them. This has been a hectic semester with its own set of obstacles, so sending a little encouragement to your student can go a long way. 

Expressing gratitude can help nurture a strong relationship between you and your student and serve as positive reinforcement for your student to keep up the good work. Every semester during finals my mom brings me home cooked meals. This tradition has been so helpful as it allows me to focus my attention and time on studying. Whether it is preparing a home cooked meal, sending your student a care package or even sending your student a quick text message expressing gratitude, these gestures, no matter the size, are so meaningful during this time. 

Another helpful tip that I have learned over my four years of undergrad, is to focus on the process rather than the outcome. When your student is working hard and putting in the extra effort that finals season demands, a family member offering praise is heard and appreciated. It is critical to highlight the initiative and effort of your student, rather than solely focusing on the results of finals. Remind your student to take things one step at a time. In doing this, you will help to reduce your student’s stress and encourage them to continue working hard. 

Finally, it is important to remind your student that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Speaking from experience, finals season sometimes feels like the end of the world. I am here to tell you that it is not! Your student will make it through their finals and then get to relax during a long winter break. It is important that you continue to encourage your student during this time and remind them that their hard work will pay off. 

All the best,

Jenny Mobed