Valuable Gifts in a Professor's Life: The Impact of a Thank You Note and Beyond

As a college professor, the best gifts one can receive often don't come in the form of tangible items but in the form of recognition and appreciation from students. In this article, we explore the significance of thank you notes, unsolicited gifts, and the impact of even the smallest gestures on the lives of professors.

Appreciation and Recognition: The Best Gifts You Can Receive

In the tech-savvy world of computer science, where the focus is often on high-tech gadgets and advanced tools, professors might find themselves longing for more than just academic recognition. One of the most impactful and heartfelt gifts a college professor can receive is a simple expression of gratitude from a student. My experience at Blackburn University epitomizes this:

One year, I organized a field trip for my students to visit two companies where Blackburn alumni worked in St. Louis. To show their gratitude, my students wrote thank you notes to the company hosts. One of these notes was directed not to the company but to me. Even though I received many notes from students, this one stood out as it came from them with genuine appreciation for my teaching approaches, professionalism, and fairness. This note remains a cherished memory as it signifies that I have touched the hearts of some students, something that is not always guaranteed.

The Unsolicited Gift

Every few years, I receive an unexpected gift from a former student. These gifts, often in the form of gift cards or handwritten notes, bring immense joy, despite the fact that they are typically not used. The real gift is in the thoughtfulness and effort that goes into such offerings. Students often choose practical items like gift cards, which, though sometimes forgotten, hold a sentimental value that goes beyond the monetary aspect.

One of the most meaningful stories I heard about such a gift involved my friend from Mongolia. During his studies in the United States, he wanted to show his gratefulness to a professor who had impressed him deeply. He decided to gift her with cashmere socks, a small but thoughtful present. The socks turned out to be more than a gift; they became a symbol of warmth and a connection that led to a lasting friendship. This story highlights how even the smallest and most appropriate gifts can have a significant impact on both the giver and the recipient.

A Message from a Predecessor

While many greater gifts can come from a student's recognition, there is one message that stands out as a timeless one from my predecessor at Blackburn University. During graduation, she would give a speech encouraging students to give back to their alma mater, not just by gifting physical items, but by sharing their knowledge and experiences.

The essence of her message was that a simple note, card, or email is a powerful way to express appreciation. These small acts don't require much effort but can leave a lasting impression on a professor's heart and career. The act of writing a thank you note, for example, can show that the student values the professor's guidance and support. Such gestures are truly invaluable.

The Best Gift You Can Give: An Extra Day to Tackle Backlog

Considering the busy lives of professors, the best possible gift a student can give is an extra day to catch up on the backlog of tasks. As a former professor, I can attest to the numerous assignments, emails, and administrative duties that can pile up. Even one additional day of freedom can make a significant difference in managing these responsibilities.

The lesson here is that whatever gift you decide to give, the thought and effort behind it are far more important than the material value. A thoughtful note, an unexpected gift, or an extra day of freedom can make all the difference in a professor's life.

So, the next time you are thinking about showing gratitude to a professor or a teacher, consider these options. A simple act of kindness, whether through a note, a small gift, or a day of respite, can leave a lasting and meaningful impact on their life.