Showing Gratitude

Next week in addition to preparing my thesis defense, I am going to be writing the acknowledgement section of my thesis. Looking back on this journey, I realized that there are so many people to thank. If I were to include everyone it would be almost as long as the document itself. It has also been cool to look back at things. Every time I look back I tend to do it through rose coloured glasses. There are no longer term experiences (even terrible relationships, trips, or jobs) that don't eventually bring a smile to my face. Even the tough times I went through when losing vision in my right eye, I view them now as challenges that were not just present but integral.  Maybe I am the only one with this disposition, but I doubt it. Anyway, when reflecting on this, one of my friends gave me some advice on how to write my acknowledgements. They said to only thank significant contributing members and to professionally acknowledge personal relationships that are not family.

To me this seems weird. I was thankful for the advice but I respectfully have to disagree (sorry homie - I know we go back and you are going to be done soon, but still). I disagree for a few reasons.

First, no one you actually acknowledge will read your thesis outside of your committee (maybe) - and anyone directly involved in the projects. I read the the acknowledgement sections of only two people (a student that I was mentoring this year), and my old supervisor. I skipped past the acknowledgements and most of the parts of any other thesis I accidentally thought was a paper.

Second, a thesis, just like any long term project, is a single snapshot in a long time line. In this way it is kind of like a old yearbook, scrapbook, or photo. The acknowledgement section represents how you feel and who means a lot to you at the moment. In this way- it is better too just write and thank and show gratitude to those in your heart  in the moment. Those sentimental shout outs may evoke some stomach twists if the people you shout out break your heart, but when you revisit those words of gratitude it will likely serve as an honest reminder of the good times that once were. Don't think too much about it.


Lastly, it is the one part of your thesis where you don't have to be formal so why do it. I would say be true- thank everyone, thanks the cats in marseille (shout out anahid), thank the person reading it, shout out the sidewalks from keeping you off the streets. Be as thankful and as honest as you can- leave the formalities for the oscars and political speeches.