There is a long list of things ‘to do’ once you have graduated. The list looks neverending! One of the many things is to write a true note of thanks to those who have helped get you where you are today. And, I don’t mean an email, I don’t mean a text. Writing a true note is helpful for the future. For one thing, you will have to write notes of thanks for a variety of things in the future, whether it is a follow up for a job interview (despite the fact that perhaps the prospective employer won’t respond). Thinking ahead: think about your wedding day (years in the future), you will have to write notes of thanks to all those who gave you gifts to launch your life. The same goes for graduation. You are launching your true adult life once leaving high school. Perhaps more in the ‘now’ is a going away party thrown before you leave for university-thank yous are appropriate and appreciated.
I have received a variety of thank you notes from students and relatives in the form of emails and texts. I suppose for me, that is okay. I was acknowledged. But, as students think about their future, perhaps they should think about what a more formalized note looks like. Let me give you an example of the types of notes I have received via text. I sent a student a necklace and a journal to document her travels. I received a one line text of thanks. Hmmm. Yes, I am the ‘consultant’/coach, I meet in a somewhat relaxed manner on an almost weekly basis with students. I do a lot, and yes, I get paid for services, but yet…The notes of traditional notes of thanks received by snail mail are kept in a portfolio.
Let’s take this a step further to a more formalized situation. In the future, as students apply for jobs, they will need to follow up with notes to prospective employers. After interviews, they will have to write thank you notes and point out highlights of the job and the interview and somewhat state why they are the best candidate for the job- that will be paramount for getting a job. It will be paramount for landing a job.
Students need to write email notes for letters of proper inquiry for Demonstrated Interest for some schools in the US in a proper manner, notes of thanks after an interview with a university representative, highlighting their conversation.
This is all part of ‘Adulting’. According to a company called: Smart Start (yoursmartstart.com)
There are three areas students need to thrive:
- Personal Finance: Essentially, financial literacy including budgeting, credit cards, debt, how to buy a car and more
- Career: Creating a resume, drafting that cover letter, networking, preparing for an interview
- Professionalism: Honoring commitments, email etiquette-how to write an email-yes, there is an art to writing an email, phone etiquette, when and how to write a ‘snail mail’ note (a skill that used to be taught in school-from elementary through high school).
If you go to the above website, you will see a massive list of skills necessary to launch. The brainchilds of this sight are available to you for coaching.
Now that you have graduated from high school, don’t forget
- Check your email for university orientation-don’t miss this event
- Double check your meal plan
- Be sure you are properly insured-medically and your dorm insurance-check with your family insurance plan
- While your school has sent in your final transcript, it is your responsibility to make sure your university has received it
- AP/IB scores: This is your responsibility to be sure these get to your school
- Be sure you have a medical check up before leaving for school and all your vaccines are up to date
Before Stepping Foot on Campus
- Find out who your adviser is and schedule an appointment
- Review class schedule/catalog and undergrad requirements to be sure you are on track for a four year degree
- If you can, register for classes-watch for those dates
- Sign up for placement tests if necessary
- If you need special accommodations: Schedule an appointment with Disability Services and have updated paperwork in hand
- Collect and make available medical information you might need: Allergies past medical conditions- take a photo or make sure you know where this information is
- Research and understand various services offered to you on campus: Health Center/Counseling, Recreation Centers, Financial Aid Office, Writing Center/Tutoring, Computer Labs, Hillel,
- Meet your roommate-you probably have met your roommate-determine what you both want to bring
- Figure out what you wish to bring on to university-I recommend packing light
- Say thank you to those who assisted you with the university process-in an appropriate manner