Stories of Kindness from Around the World

An Unexpected Thank You from 3 Years Ago


--by jantaigen, posted Sep 23, 2008

“You probably don’t remember me,” she began, “but I have come back to file for Graduation with Distinction.”  And then she pulled out a piece of paper from her wallet and gave it to me to read.  It was my handwriting, but I didn’t remember writing it. 

 

As the Assistant Director of the Honors Programs at the university, one of my jobs was to review student transcripts to make sure they met requirements for continuing in Honors.  It was not uncommon for freshmen to have a rough start and be notified that they could no longer continue in Honors after their first semester.  Sometimes second trimester report cards would be sent to us anyway, even though students were no longer in the program.

 

The note she handed me read, “Congratulations on your terrific second semester.  While I know you may have been disappointed from your fall grades, you should feel wonderfully proud of how you have turned your effort around.  That is an impressive achievement!  Best of luck in keeping up the good work, and remember with a 3.5 average (which you can do) by your last semester, you qualify for Graduation with Distinction.”

 

I didn’t remember sending the note, handwritten (and not very neatly) on the bottom of her second semester transcript.

 

The student went on and said, “You can’t know what this meant to me.  I have carried it  in my wallet for three years and pulled it out anytime I didn't want to do my work.  For three years I have been planning on walking into your office and giving you this note and this transcript." She handed me her latest transcript, 3.502.  "I would like the paperwork for graduation with Distinction."

 

I was awed and humbled.  She cried and I wanted to. Writing the note seemed like nothing to me, but had meant so much to her.  I really had no idea my actions had such meaning.

 

I have enjoyed this memory for many years -- with gratitude for such an act of kindness.  The kindness of course was not mine in writing the note (I only wish I had written more notes to more students), but her kindness in wanting me to know that what I did had mattered.

 

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Readers Comments

elizaliza wrote: Makes me smile and feel warm at heart. I am sure she must have been very happy she made it and its good you were a positive factor to her success. So many times I have done some things and I never knew they meant so much to the them. Love ya.
Tigerlily wrote: Oh how completely lovely. God Bless you.
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a great story, thank you for sharing. This is a wonderful reminder for us all that every kind act matters, no matter how small. You never know how large of an impact you can have on someone. Thanks! :)
brighteyes wrote: A simple gesture can mean so much to someone and your story is a great example of that....we must always take that extra minute to thank someone, encourage someone, greet and smile at someone, etc as it may be the only sunshine in their day and/or it may make a big difference in someone's life.
I too am warmed and smiling! ;)
dewolfe wrote: This is something we can never forget, the fact that just because something is small and unmemorable to us, doesn't mean that it can't change someone's life. Different thing impact different people in different ways!
shashi wrote: Wow this is really great thing. I also had similar experience, i also had similar experience i will share sometime
Kevin wrote: It is seldom that a story makes my body feel alive. This is, as you put it, humbling and awe inspiring.
lovebug wrote: I think most kind people never realalize the impact they have on another person's life, it is just the way they are, no big deal. But simple kindness can turn a person's life around. Thumbs up for you my friend.
warmth wrote: Wow, ur kindness deed helped this person realise his/her inner potential and you are inspired to do more kind deeds.

Thank u for making a difference in someone's life and sharing this wonderful story
lollytw wrote: Wonderful. Makes you realize it's never to late to pass on kindness!

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