For us grownups and parents, we’ll receive announcements in the mail and tuck a little something in an envelope for the grad-to-be, along with our congratulations on his or her achievement.

For the grads, it’s a time of self awareness, exhilaration, and acknowledgment. Or maybe not the last one for some.

Moms and dads everywhere cross their fingers in hopes their grads will take the time to compose genuine expressions of appreciation to those remembered their special day.

Guest blogger Hazel Bowman helps you grads figure out just what to say in those thank you notes. Read on.

Attention Grads: Don’t Forget to Write!

From the time we were small children, we were taught three of the most important words that we would ever use in our every day vocabulary – “pleaseâ€? and “thank you.â€? What great words to learn. They’re never out of date nor out of vogue. In fact, you are judged by your ability to say them – whether in your personal life or throughout your career.

No where is the value of the word “thank you� more important than in a personal handwritten note. With graduation almost here, it’s quite likely that the graduate will receive a gift. Though unlimited in variety, as a rule of thumb the closer the giver is to the individual, the more elaborate the gift. Such kindness is to be rewarded with a thank you note.

A sincere note of thanks expressing enthusiasm (whether or not it is felt) should always be sent promptly, using expressions that are most natural to you. The note does not have to be long in length but should convey your appreciation for the giver’s thoughtfulness on such a commemorative occasion.

If you’re not too sure what to say in writing your note, here are some examples to help you get started:

Dear Aunt Carol,

I can’t thank you enough for the check you gave me which will go a long way in helping with my college expenses next year. As I plan to live on campus which is only a few hours away from where you live, I’m hoping that you can come and visit me on occasion when I start classes in the fall. You’re one of my favorite aunts and I would enjoy showing you my dorm in addition to giving you a tour of the university. Thanks again. You’re the best!
Your loving niece,
Cathy

Or

Dear Uncle Curt,

What a great duffle bag you gave me for my graduation! How did you know that I plan on taking a three week summer tour through Europe before delving into the academic world of hard study and homework? Did mom tip you off? It’s perfect for not only my trip but also all the times I plan on going home with dirty laundry stuffed in it for mom to wash. (Don’t let her know that – I plan on sweet talking her into it.) I really appreciate you thinking of me on my graduation day. It meant a lot.
Love,
John

Hazel Bowman is the publisher of PrescottWeddings.com and is a recognized authority on etiquette. Her alter-ego, “Miss SOS,” helps brides sort out thorny situations prior to their wedding day, and is regularly asked to address college seniors on business etiquette and protocol.

In fact, Miss SOS is available to speak at your company or business. In a world where our coworkers and clients are as likely to come from the other side of the globe as the other side of town, changes both subtle and radical are necessary in our manners. Miss SOS’ fun interactive presentation provides advice and guidelines relevant to our business lives today. Topics include: office decorum, business calls and introductions, entertaining and networking, cyberspace courtesies, and conducting business out of your home. To learn more, contact Miss SOS at PrescottWeddings@cableone.net.

Speaking of this, here are some related articles previously published at Loosely Speaking:

• More on Thank You Notes as Expressions of Appreciation
• Thank You Notes: do you or don’t you?