It's always nice to feel appreciated

After my last column about food, someone told me about how her mother put it on the fridge — my column, that is. I don't believe it has anything to do with the fact that her daughter was quoted; no, it was because of the amazing and wonderful composition and command of the English language of the author. Not to toot my horn or anything.

On a much deeper level, however, I felt really appreciated by the fact that someone who has never met me put my column on the fridge, a place of honor in my house, when not even my own mother has.

So I put before my peers at Yuba City High School this question: What ways do you like to be shown appreciation? Only four out of 11 had a response.

Most in this small poll agreed with Rebecca Sanders, a senior, when she replied,"With actions, instead of saying thanks. Show it. I help you; you remember and help me later." Seven other seniors agreed with her.

The fact of the matter is, we all like to be appreciated. Speaking from experience, I know that when you put time and thought into things, you want to feel some sort of reward. For some people, it is the recognition by those they served. For others, it is simply seeing that what they did brought some joy and happiness into another person's life.

Anjali Bhatti put it this way: "It's nice when someone acknowledges it when you go out of your way to do something. A thank you is always nice."

One way that nobody can deny is a favorite way to be thanked is with something tangible. Thomas Hanns said, "I like to be hugged and kissed when I am appreciated. There is nothing wrong with physical affection." And let's face it, many of us like being thanked in that kind of manner. I know that when I have done something that my mother really, really appreciated, I enjoy her quick hug and peck on the cheek.

Probably the grandest way of showing appreciation is a monument. In American society, we dedicate memorials to those who have done a great service to our country.

Yet we often neglect to appreciate those who get us to those places of high honor, not necessarily to the presidency or a spot in The Mall, but to wherever we choose to go in life. These are the people sometimes deemed insignificant because they are not some mighty CEO or politician; these people are our parents and teachers.

I asked Shelley Priddy, an AP and sophomore English teacher, how she felt, and she said, "A verbal acknowledgement is always nice — but often not necessary. Every so often, I receive a card, note or email from a previous student that expresses appreciation. These mean a great deal because they tell me I've done something right and something that's remembered."

To all the parents, especially my mom and dad, and to the teachers out there, "Thank you."

We are Honkers and we will fly.

Tucker Walden is a senior at Yuba City High School. His column appears every six weeks in Education.