You don’t actually know how much time they put in. They could have jotted notes to themselves before they started writing. Or written it on their computer, then opened Naviance to work on it with some cutting and pasting from that. You are jumping to a conclusion with no actual idea how much time and effort they really put in. Your “pride” is really immaturity and insecurity. Just be polite.
@intparent . I don’t know why you are still attacking me. The discussion is over.
It’s an open thread, you really don’t get to say when it’s over.
^^Then, I find it amazing that you would spend time out of your day just to continue anon attacking me online. What an accomplishment it must be to have the time for such ridiculous unproductivity.
What accomplishment is it to withhold thanks for letters your teachers took the time to write? When somebody makes a mean spirited post out here, they are going to get called on it. Especially with a kind of whiny “Do I HAVE to?” tone.
It’s 2:45 am on the east coast. Nobody’s being productive at 2:45 am.
Not to mention that you don’t know that they spent 8 minutes on it. They may well have spent a great deal of time an effort on writing a draft offline. Glad you decided to do the right thing, but I hope you also do it with the right attitude.
As a teacher, you sound like that student we all talk about in the teacher’s lounge, and not in a good way.
Hopefully you know better and know it’s appropriate to thank someone who does anything to support you. THANK THEM.
You never have to do the right thing but it is still the right thing to do. The fact that you are asking if you need to write a thank you note makes me believe you think you should. Please don’t blame them for an disappointing outcomes. I can spend 8 minutes and write a fantastic letter because I do have some stellar templates that I start from. After you have been doing something for years, it doesn’t take you long. You sound like a great person because my bet is 50% of the students wouldn’t even think to write a thank you. Thank them, feel proud of your success and look forward not backwards.
No a gift is not necessary. Yes a thank you (after) is necessary. I’d do it with a little handwritten card, personally.
Why did you work in their classrooms for an hour a half a day? Unpaid? What were you doing?
I assume if you got into Yale that the letters were all strong, but nonetheless I offer this tidbit for the future and for other folks reading this thread:
If you ask a teacher/ professor for a letter of recommendation, and the reply is less than enthusiastic, think about asking someone else instead. Certainly “I am required to write you one because you take this class” does not say to me that this is a teacher who feels that s/he can really speak to your strengths.
^^^ absolutely.
MODERATOR’S NOTE: The OP has made it clear that s/he doesn’t like the responses being given. Closing thread.