Prompt: The University of Pennsylvania Supplement
Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) 150-200 words, only required for first year applicants
Essay
Dear Nurse Miller,
The day we met, I was having a rough morning. Rushing to class, I spilled my breakfast, an açai bowl, all over my t-shirt. Yet, the moment I entered the school nurse’s office to change my clothes, your kindness brightened my day. You took the time to turn what I thought was an inconvenience into an opportunity to share a smile––and that small act made a difference.
You made kindness feel contagious, planting a seed that grew into my passion for healthcare. This line of work isn’t always glamorous—as an EMT, I’ve encountered many trying situations, but you taught me an important lesson: as caregivers (and human beings in general), our fulfillment begins when we learn to meet others where they are. Sometimes it’s as simple as offering a listening ear, as you did, but lately, with the chillier weather, I make a point to go the extra mile by offering a second blanket to my patients.
Every time I eat an açai bowl now, I smile, reminded of our interaction. I’ll carry forward what I’ve learned from you to inspire, uplift, and heal.
Thank you for showing me the true value of kindness.
With gratitude,
Katherine
Tips for Writing
- Who you write to is not overly important––don’t feel like you need to avoid typical people (such as family members, coaches, teachers, etc.)––what matters most is that you are able to demonstrate your ability to reflect. Choose someone who has taught you a valuable lesson and write them a genuine thank-you letter.
- Even though this prompt is asking about another person, your readers really want to learn more about you. Don’t fall into the trap of focusing too much on the recipient of your letter.
- Provide evidence of the impact the special person has made on your life and how you apply the lessons learned from them in your daily life.
- Be creative with your letter sign-off. A simple “thank you”––although meaningful––can become generic. Try to end with something different and something you would actually say to the letter recipient.