And then I did something, I wrote them all a note...

I wrote a recommendation letter this morning for one of my students... it's a fairly common task for most professors, or at least the ones who make a sincere effort to connect with their students. When I was done, I added it to a folder where I keep them - and then for some reason I started counting. Over the past 15+ years, I've supported over 150 students in some formal manner. Then, I started reading the names… and recognizing how those same names, those same students, have continued to pop up in my newsfeed on LinkedIN for the past decade with accomplishments and success stories.

WOW. I was moved. I sat back for a moment- both humbled and inspired that so many of the people that once asked me for support, have gone on to do so many incredible and inspiring things in their lives. CEOs, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, teachers, media personalities, thought-leaders, the list goes on and on….

And

then I did something... without much thought (which for me was a feat in and of

itself…)

I wrote them all a note, as they once did to me, and asked if they would consider writing a recommendation for me all these years later. I did this because I was truly humbled and honored to have once served these people who have gone on to do such amazing things. Asking for recommendations is hard, but I found sincere joy this morning in sending those messages and reflecting on the moments I had with each person. 

It was humbling to tell the truth – so many years later to be on the other side of the request - but I genuinely wanted their recommendation because it felt like it would close the circle in some ways. I have always felt that my students were equals and I have always strived to treat them as such. Whenever my students would ask for my support and I would oblige, they would be so grateful. But, I would always respond and say, “well don’t forget, one day I might need you too!” I knew the day would come that I would finally have the courage to make that happen – to ask for their support. Thus, to ask for their recommendations was truly representative of the notion I’ve brought into the classroom since day 1. 

To all of my former students who might be reading this (there are over 10,000 of you now), thank you. Thank you for providing me just as much feedback over the years as I have for you. I will continue to honor and recognize the value of my position as someone who supports you, and beginning today- I will continue my pursuit to ask you to do the same – in an effort to truly recognize that each of us provides an important perspective for the other person in life - and - to honor the lesson my parents once taught me: there is something to be learned from every person we encounter in this world.

One more thought if you made it this far – go ahead and ask for the recommendation. It’s human nature to want to give, it literally makes us feel good. You might just be surprised at how many people you’ve influenced over the years and how honored they would be to share their opinions of you with the world.

One other thing- if you ever need me for a recommendation, you know where to find me.