Good Gratitude

The Importance of Saying “Thank You”

Good Gratitude

It seems like the aisle of a school bus would be an unlikely place to start an editorial, but let us walk you through it. It’s 6 a.m. on a Tuesday morning and the bus has just arrived at the back entrance. As the front of the bus files out and slithers to class, someone three bodies ahead quietly whispers “thank you” to the bus driver. Without even thinking, you mutter a “thank you” and continue the monotonous chain off the bus.

     Hang on. Rewind. Let’s pause this driver’s ed video for a brief breakdown of what just occurred. We know it’s early, but think about the importance of saying “thank you,” and The Importance of Being Earnest for that matter. There’s really no downside to spouting the phrase, only choosing not to. But, when we express gratitude, it only leaves an impression if we come from a sincere place. It shouldn’t be a panicked, gut reaction, but a well thought out announcement to someone deserving. That’s not to say an empty thank you has no effect; please, by all means continue to say thank you to that one gentle soul who keeps the door open on a blustery afternoon.

Alright, hit play. Walking into the school, we pass by a custodian who has been working hours before school began, a cafeteria worker preparing a new twist on today’s meal, and an upbeat Principal Clark reminding us to have a Red Raider Day. This school community has provided us with substantial opportunities found nowhere else on Cape Cod. We have the freedom to choose from a colorful course catalogue and participate in journalism, CNA, engineering and broadcasting to name a few; and we have seen students nurture their passions.

      But how often do we say thanks, BHS? Since time’s running out for seniors, now is a good opportunity to integrate a thank you into a lifelong routine. While some enjoy a handwritten letter, it’s okay to put the stationary aside as it’s not the best fit for everyone. For a friend, a scrapbook full of pictures from the elementary school hat parades and quotes from geometry class can be most sentimental. Gratitude comes down to the relationships we have with each individual. For each bond–teacher, boss, friend, coach, or parent–we have a unique way to thank them. No thank you goes unnoted.

    Especially outside of school, small acts of gratitude spread from person to person naturally. And for those who work, any recognition for long hours of customer-service is worthwhile. We’re not trying to be that condescending mom reminding her son to remember his “Horace Manners,” but we want to make sure we’re all on the same moral path heading to college, the same bus aisle if we’re being picky.

    As seniors start to open their eighth grade time capsules filled with the golden years of puberty and Rebecca Black parodies, just think about the teachers and administrators who never judged us even through our worst wardrobe decisions and acne treatments. And remember to say thank you before we fast forward and the bus to college drives away.