The Soul-Feeding Power of Appreciation in Education

By Genevieve Balance Kupang

As a professor guiding doctoral learners, there are moments when the impact of our work becomes profoundly clear. This academic year, I received messages from my mentees that resonated deeply, reaffirming the power of appreciation in education and fueling my own commitment to mentorship and service. These messages, filled with gratitude and recognition, serve as powerful reminders that our efforts as educators extend far beyond the classroom.

They highlight the profound impact we can have on life-long learners, who in turn, contribute to their communities and beyond. It’s a virtuous cycle of learning, growth, and positive change. What I felt from these powerful words is that appreciation truly feeds my soul.

The reason we remain in the profession of mentoring is that it allows us to help our learners become the best versions of themselves by generously sharing what we know and have experienced. I feel joy and proud to be a mentor, just as I was mentored by countless generous gurus and guides. Journeying with learners and receiving such heartfelt accolades keeps me motivated. My feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphin levels rise, and I feel a genuine sense of reward. It is especially fulfilling to know that these are professional adults, many of whom are leaders in their respective institutions.

The transformative power of recognizing both small and big achievements makes us better people, fueling our desire to make an impact and serve our communities more fully. Here are some excerpts from the messages I received, which illustrate the impact of mentorship and positive feedback:

Josefa P. Dampilag celebrated the publication success of our Qualitative Methods of Research class, noting:

“Out of 17 students, 16 have successfully published their respective research papers in international journals. This remarkable achievement is a reflection of your unwavering mentorship, guidance, and timely support in editing and enhancing our work. Your dedication has truly made a difference in our academic journey. We now find ourselves ahead of the other classes, something we never imagined possible. What once seemed like a distant goal is now a reality, and it’s all thanks to your encouragement and belief in our capabilities. From the bottom of our hearts, we are deeply grateful. Thank you so much, Ma’am. Together, let’s continue to soar – Baguio Central University (BCU) soar!”

Jonathan C. Lagan expressed his gratitude by writing:

“Great evening, Ma’am. Much thanks for the publication of the article. You are truly instrumental in this achievement. A great Dean, a high-caliber Professor, a sought-after speaker, a charismatic and transformational leader, a harbinger of peace, and someone with the touch of a mother—we are indeed grateful to have you as our Dean. Thanks kasin (Kankanaey for ‘again’), Ma’am.”

Mark B. Libio simply shared:

“You have enlightened us in everything we need to know, learn, and practice. Thank you very much, Ma’am.”

Celiamar D. Lavarias emphasized the value of real-world experience:

“Ma’am, I want to sincerely thank you for your genuine and impactful teaching throughout this course. Your willingness to share your real-life experiences made our learning not only more relatable but also deeply enriching. The insights you provided from your professional journey were incredibly educational and informative, offering us valuable context and perspective that we could not have gained from textbooks alone. Your openness and dedication to our learning are truly appreciated. Thank you, Ma’am, for making this class such a meaningful and memorable part of my EDMGT school experience.”

Sir Alaska J. Turaray, one of the lead organizers of our class outreach activity, shared his reflections after the peace event themed “Fostering Peace: An Initiative by the Graduate School Students of Baguio Central University for Peace, Unity, and Social Responsibility.” Following my expression of gratitude for his leadership in organizing the event—where I invited a Gazan refugee to speak about the need for peace and justice—he shared the following:

“Good morning, Doc Kupang. Honestly, all these things are mainly because of you! I’m just feeding off your energy. Even though I won’t be in Grad School for a long time, we’re so blessed to have met you. Nobody has ever challenged me to be this kind of person. I used to be passive and just focused on my own concerns—haha. Then you came along. I know my classmates feel the same way. There’s so much to gain from all this. Because of these experiences, I feel more human. Plus, Ma’am, we’re really under formation—under your guidance. That’s why we’re committing ourselves to being molded. We’re incredibly lucky to have you. It’s hard because we’re working, but we keep going. We’ve definitely crossed the Rubicon.”

My response to Sir Alaska was:

“We all have it in us—the awakening of undiluted, pure Divine Essence within us, capable of becoming, improving, giving more, and uplifting ourselves, others, and the community where we are.”

Sir Alaska replied:

“Actually, those were my thoughts upon waking up. I was reflecting, ‘What is Doc Gen doing? What have we gotten ourselves into?’ I just wanted a passing grade. But I also feel something is changing in me. I do not have the words for it right now, but I know I am becoming better. Thank you so much. Everyone around you is truly fortunate.”

These messages underscore the importance of creating a supportive and appreciative learning environment. They also highlight the value of recognizing and celebrating both large and small achievements. By fostering a culture of appreciation, we can encourage students to strive for excellence, contribute to their fields, and serve their communities with passion and purpose. It is my hope that by sharing these reflections, others will be inspired to cultivate appreciation in their own lives, both personally and professionally, fostering a more positive and impactful world. The vibration of these words can make us better people, further building our desire to make a lasting outcome to the community we serve.

I am truly blessed by God who graciously bestows generosity and wisdom, empowering His instruments like me to guide learners toward their fullest potential.

The Science Behind the Joy of Appreciation

Receiving heartfelt appreciation and accolades from students doesn’t just uplift the spirit. It also triggers a cascade of positive neurochemical responses in the body. While dopamine is well-known as the “reward hormone,” several other hormones and neurotransmitters are activated when we experience gratitude, connection, and recognition:

Serotonin, often called the “happiness hormone,” serotonin is released when we feel respected, valued, and connected to others. It enhances our mood, boosts self-esteem, and fosters a sense of well-being. 2) Oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone” or “love hormone,” oxytocin is released during moments of trust, empathy, and social connection. When students express genuine gratitude and appreciation, oxytocin strengthens the sense of community and deepens the mentor-mentee bond. 3) Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Acts of kindness, positive feedback, and shared joy can stimulate endorphin release, leading to feelings of warmth, pleasure, and even euphoria.

Together, these hormones create a profound sense of fulfillment and motivation, reinforcing why educators and mentors find such meaning and joy in their calling. The positive “vibration” of these words, as described above, is not just metaphorical. It is a real, physiological response that nourishes my soul and inspires me to continue making a difference.

When we receive sincere appreciation, it is not only emotionally uplifting but also biologically rewarding. These powerful words from learners activate dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins—filling us with joy, connection, and renewed purpose as educators and mentors.

  Genevieve Balance Kupang. Professor, Qualitative Methods of Research, Current Trends, Problems, and Innovation in Graduate Education, & Philosophical Foundation.

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