7.8 Thanksgiving task—and a template to get it done!

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States. It’s a time to pause and reflect, give thanks for the harvest and count our many blessings.

For college applicants, it’s the calm before the storm of the final push to finish and submit. What might you have overlooked?

Thank your teachers!

Yes! Just think of the hours and hours of work they put in above and beyond their classroom responsibilities, helping their students--YOU--on their paths to college. From listening to your dreams and worries, your uncertainties about where to apply and whether you'll get in, to the late night hours writing letter after letter on behalf of their students--your teachers deserve your gratitude.

In this busy season, many things get put off until the last minute. Perhaps even you have, ahem, waited until the day before an application was due to implore your favorite teacher for a letter of support.

Athena Advises

Do not put off this task. Make it quick, but do it now.

A handwritten note is always a pleasure, but if it means that hunting down stamps will impede your progress--send email! The important thing is to send it.

And yes--you younger students can adapt this to your own situation. We're pretty sure that one of your teachers has done something special for you this semester.

Ready?

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Teacher,

I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done to help me this year. Your class on German Literature/Mathematics/Bird Watching was one of my favorite classes at You-Name-It School. The part I liked the best was _________________.

I really appreciate the letter of recommendation you wrote for my applications to college, and I will let you know the results.

Sincerely,Jeremy Student

Here at Athena Mentor, we are grateful for . . . YOU. Really. You're the brightest of colors in our each and every day.

Sincerely,Dr. Marlena CorcoranFounder and CEOAuthor of Year by Year to College, on amazon.com, amazon.de and many national amazon sites