Grounded in Gratitude

By Liz Warren

Last semester in my Art of Storytelling class, right before Thanksgiving, one of my students gave me a handwritten letter. She said, “Can I get a picture with you? I need to show my professor that you got it!” We took the picture, but I didn’t read the letter until I got home. She started the letter with, “Thank you for the excitement you bring to the classroom when telling and teaching stories.” 

Of course, I couldn’t wait to see her again to thank her, and also to ask her which professor had assigned it. I wasn’t surprised to learn that it was an assignment from Dr. Andrea Brownlee in his First-Year Experience class, as he is known for his effective student engagement techniques.

Dr. Brownlee says that at a time when education is in a difficult and uncertain place—with schools closing, limited resources, and systems under strain—practicing gratitude helps students build awareness, belonging, and respect for the people and institutions that sustain their educational journey. 

“I include this assignment in FYE to help students recognize that their success is supported by a broad network of people whose work often goes unseen,” said Dr. Brownlee. His goal is that as students grow towards self-actualization, that they are grounded in gratitude and a commitment to service beyond themselves.

Below are some of the letters to faculty and staff that students wrote in his class last semester:

Dear Dr. Christine Raack,

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the support and encouragement you have given me throughout my college journey. Your guidance has played a significant role in helping me grow both academically and personally. Whenever I doubted myself, your reassurance and positive perspective helped me regain confidence and stay focused on my goals. You have unique ways of making students feel seen, capable, and motivated and I am truly grateful for the time and care you have invested in me. 

Because of your encouragement I feel more confidence in my abilities and more prepared to continue pursuing my academic dreams. Your dedication to your students is inspiring, and I am thankful for the impact you have had on my life. Thank you for believing in my potential and helping me move forward with greater strength and determination.

With sincere appreciation, Niyonsenga Umuhoza

Dear Ms. Evette,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your support in the Financial Aid office, especially for taking the time to help me search for available scholarships even when most had already closed. I was feeling very stressed about completing my FAFSA over the summer before the deadline, and I truly appreciate your guidance and patience throughout the process.

Thank you as well for giving me hope and encouragement regarding the possibility of obtaining a job here at SMCC. I am grateful for your help. 

From, Liliana Romero

Dear Professor Johnson,

I've really enjoyed your class since the start. You have a positive attitude that helps me not dread my morning class. Your assignments feel engaging, and I truly feel some excitement to complete each one. I'm thankful for your class, the people I met, and the material I've learned. I feel like I have become a better motivated student throughout this semester, and I have you to thank for it. 

Additionally, I admire your style and the extra accessories you incorporate into each outfit; they tie everything together. I feel each radiates some of your personality, and I can appreciate that.

From, Crystal Quiroz

Dear Mr. Brownlee,

For this assignment you have assigned us to write a letter to someone who has impacted our lives while here at South Mountain Community College, and for this assignment I’m writing this letter to you, sir. I am thankful for you and this class, sir. Thank you for always showing up and having your students' best interests in mind. You are what every teacher and professor should strive to be. Every day you are an example of what hard work and dedication can accomplish. 

Thank you for teaching me how to succeed in this new world of college and thank you for everything you do that no one knows about. 

Your student, Bruce Bosco