Assignment: The Unsung Heroes

During a busy point in the semester (e.g., midterm season), students take 15 minutes to write a detailed, handwritten letter of appreciation to an often-overlooked person on campus or in their lives (e.g., custodial staff, dining hall workers, an advisor, or a former teacher).

• Students deliver the letter.
• At the end of the semester, students follow up with the person to see how the letter affected the recipient.

Reflection Questions

• Ask before students write the letter: How are you feeling about your goals this semester?
• Ask after the end-of-semester follow-up: Did taking time to express gratitude change your perspective on your accomplishment? Did it affect the recipient? If so, how? Copyright