Students give the gift of thanks

Between endless schoolwork, extracurricular commitments, athletics, student organizations and social engagements, when was the last time you stopped to say a simple “thank you?” It goes without saying that many MiddKids are running on overbooked schedules, leading us to forget to express our gratitude to those who have helped us get to where we are today.

After noticing that expression of appreciation was lacking on campus, Quan Pham ’12 decided to present students, faculty and staff with an opportunity to show appreciation through Gratitude Grams. These free thank-you notes with the hand drawn designs of Connie Sanabria ’12 have been available in the Main Library lobby, McCullough Student Center and Armstrong Library for the past week, and completed Gratitude Grams will be delivered in through campus mail to spread good-will around campus.

Pham is a follower of American writer and lecturer Dale Carnegie who places the expression of appreciation as one of the most significant things that we must do for one another. With the support of the ACE office and Service Cluster Board and funding from the Flex Fund, Pham was able to put his project into action.

“I hope that all members of the Middlebury College community are able to participate in this by sending at least one” said Pham.

“Not only will this increase the social capital within this community, but it will also make people stop and think, if only for a minute, about all those who have helped them. I believe this is crucial because in such an interconnected world, we are unable to accomplish anything by ourselves. I really hope that this will be an annual event and that the participation rate increases.”

If you’ve missed the May 1st collection deadline for Gratitude Grams, do not fret. It only takes a few seconds to go up to someone and tell them “thank you.”