Expressing gratitude is a powerful tool that can strengthen the bond between Littles and their Big Brothers or Big Sisters. Writing a thank-you letter is a sweet gesture and a meaningful way to show appreciation for the time, care, and guidance received. Let’s explore the art of crafting heartfelt thank-you letters.
Checklist for thank-you letters
A thank-you-for-mentoring letter from a Little to a Big is similar to other thank-you letters, except it acknowledges the connection and lessons learned together. When you sit down to write a letter to your mentor, realize it’s also an opportunity to take the time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.
- Warm greeting: Start your letter with a friendly and sincere greeting.
- Express gratitude: Clearly state what you are thankful for and why.
- Personal touch: Share a personal story or memory that showcases your mentor’s impact.
- Acknowledge lessons learned: Mention how your mentor has helped you grow and learn.
- Look to the future: Express excitement about the future and the mentorship continuing.
- Closing: End the letter on a positive note with a sincere closing.
Remember, being sincere and speaking from the heart is the most important thing. Your mentors will appreciate the effort you put into sharing appreciation.
1. Greetings
Begin your letter with a warm greeting to your mentor. Keep it friendly and sincere. For instance:
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
2. Express gratitude
Share specific moments or things you appreciate about your mentor. Be genuine and specific:
“I want to thank you for always listening to me and helping me with my homework. Your encouragement has made a big difference in my life.”
3. Personal touch
Share a personal story or memory that highlights the impact your mentor has had on you:
“I’ll never forget when we went to the park and played catch together. Your willingness to spend time with me means the world.”
4. Acknowledge lessons learned
Describe how your mentor has helped you grow and learn valuable life lessons:
“Thanks to you, I’ve learned to be more confident and believe in myself. Your guidance has made me a better person.”
5. Look to the future
Express your excitement about the future and continued support from your mentor:
“I’m looking forward to more adventures and learning from you. With you by my side, I know I can achieve anything!”
6. Closing
End the letter on a positive note with a closing that reflects your feelings:
Sincerely,
Your Name
Example thank-you letters
Here are a couple of examples of thank-you letters to get you started. Keep in mind these are to guide you on the writing style. Make sure the examples you include are fun times and specific moments that were shared with your mentor.
Example #1
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for being such an amazing Big Brother/Sister to me. Your being in my life has truly made a powerful impact, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Thank you for always being there to listen to me, whether it’s about school, friends, or just random thoughts. Your guidance has helped me navigate difficult times, and I appreciate the wisdom and kindness you consistently share with me.
I’ll never forget the day we went to the museum together. Exploring and learning new things with you is always so much fun, and I treasure those moments. Your willingness to spend time with me means more than words can express.
Your encouragement has been a driving force in my life. Thanks to your support, I’ve become more confident and believe in myself. The lessons I’ve learned from you are priceless, and I’m grateful for your positive influence on my personal growth.
I’m excited about the adventures and discoveries we’ll make together in the future. I’m confident I can achieve anything I want with you by my side.
Once again, thank you for being an incredible mentor and friend. Your kindness has made a lasting impression on me, and I’m fortunate to have you in my life.
Wishing you all the best,
[Your Name]
Example #2
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope this letter brings a smile to your face, just like your company brings one to mine every time we meet. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for being the awesome Big Brother/Sister that you are.
Thank you for always being there, not just as a mentor but as a friend. Your support means everything to me, and I appreciate the time and effort you invest in our relationship. Whether helping me with homework or hanging out, every moment with you is special.
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the little things. Like the time we baked cookies together — not only were they delicious, but it made me feel like I had a true friend to share simple joys with. Your willingness to share those moments is something I cherish.
And your guidance has made a positive impact on me. I’ve learned so much from you, not just academically but also about kindness, patience, and understanding. You inspire me to be a better person every day.
As we continue this journey together, I’m excited about the future. Your mentorship has opened up new possibilities for me, and I can’t wait to explore what comes next with you by my side.
Thank you for being more than a mentor — thank you for being a friend, a guide, and someone I look up to. Our friendship is truly a gift.
Gratefully,
[Your Name]
Happy writing, Littles!
