By Laura Htet (UDE)

 

THERE’S a subtle kind of magic that shapes our lives in ways we often don’t fully understand. It isn’t anything you can touch or measure, but its ab­sence can be felt deeply, like a shadow that clouds the brightest moments. I witness this every day in my classroom. It’s present in the hesitant voice of a student, in the bright spark of confidence in another, and even in the quiet uncertainty of those who question whether their efforts will ever be enough. This invisible force — whether it’s there or missing — has a profound impact on how we grow, how we see ourselves, and how we move through the world.

 

For years, I’ve observed my students face their struggles, no­ticing patterns take shape along the way. One student, let’s call her Thiri, stands out for her in­credible dedication. Her grades are exceptional, her work ethic is unrelenting. Yet, despite her remarkable efforts, there’s a qui­etness about her. She often of­fers small glimpses into her life beyond the classroom, a world where her accomplishments seem to go unnoticed. “No matter what I do,” she confessed once, “it’s never enough for my parents.” There’s no anger in her voice, just a profound sense of resignation, as though she’s silently asking why her best will never be enough to earn the recognition she deserves.

 

On the other hand, there’s Aye, a student whose life is sur­rounded by a constant flow of en­couragement. Her family takes pride in her every accomplish­ment, no matter how minor — a thoughtful gesture, a strong grade, or even the determination she shows when facing a diffi­cult day. This ongoing support is impossible to ignore. Aye steps into the classroom with a calm confidence, grounded in the belief that she belongs and that every effort she makes, no matter its size, holds worth.

 

Shaped by such contrasting experiences, these two students stand as compelling reminders of how deeply acknowledgement — or the lack of it — can influence who we become.

 

Tracing the Seeds of Recogni­tion in My Journey

My understanding of recogni­tion is something deeply person­al, rooted in the experiences that shaped my childhood. Growing up in a fractured family, my little brother and I were raised without the presence of our parents. What could have been a story filled with sorrow and loss instead became one of resilience and hope, thanks to the unwavering support of Ba Gyi, our uncle.

 

Ba Gyi wasn’t merely a guard­ian; he became the cornerstone of our world. His encouragement wasn’t limited to the big mile­stones; it seeped into the every­day moments, making the ordi­nary feel extraordinary. When I excelled on a school project, he celebrated it with me. When I showed kindness to someone, he acknowledged it. And even when things didn’t go as planned, his response was never criticism, but a quiet recognition of the effort and potential I had shown.

 

For us, his recognition was more than just a kind gesture; it was the fuel that pushed us to keep moving forward. It taught me what true resilience looks like, helped me build a stronger sense of self-worth, and encouraged me to dream bigger than the circum­stances I was born into. Through his constant support, we learned that true recognition isn’t about words of praise alone — it’s an act of nurturing, a force that shapes who we become.

 

A Silent Language of the Heart

Why does recognition hold such power? At its essence, it is the recognition of another’s ex­istence, effort, and value. Experts in psychology have long recog­nized that this kind of recognition speaks to one of our most funda­mental human needs: the desire to feel valued. It doesn’t matter if we are six or sixty, the need for acknowledgement is universal. It nourishes the soul in the same way food nourishes the body. Re­search consistently shows that when people feel appreciated, they tend to adopt a more posi­tive outlook on life, display better behaviour, and pursue their goals with a determination that is hard to shake.

 

This isn’t just an abstract idea — it’s something I witness daily in my classroom. I’ve seen it happen time and again: a student, previ­ously quiet and hesitant, suddenly begins to engage more after their effort is recognized. Another, once held back by self-doubt, starts to believe in their abilities, slowly but surely, after receiving consistent encouragement. Appreciation, it turns out, has the power to awak­en something deep within—in­stilling a sense of purpose and sparking a drive to keep moving forward.

 

When Appreciation is Absent

But what happens when ap­preciation is absent? The impact can be just as profound but in a much more negative way. With­out appreciation, even the most resilient spirits can falter. The absence of acknowledgement cre­ates an emotional void, a sense of invisibility that eats away at one’s confidence.

 

Thiri’s experience highlights this all too well. Despite her many accomplishments, the lack of recognition from her parents leaves her feeling disconnected, as though her efforts are unno­ticed and unworthy. She contin­ues to excel academically, but her achievements seem to echo in a hollow, uncelebrated space. For her, achievement no longer feels like something to be proud of; in­stead, it becomes a never-ending search for validation that never seems to arrive.

 

I’ve come to realize that many parents, perhaps unknow­ingly, underestimate the power of appreciation. It may stem from their own experiences, perhaps because they were never shown appreciation in their childhoods. For some, the belief is that love is something inherently understood, that it doesn’t require words. But the truth is, especially for children, love and value need to be voiced, seen, and felt.

 

The Power of Small Gestures

Appreciation doesn’t always need to be grandiose. Sometimes, a simple “thank you”, a note of encouragement, or even a smile can make a world of difference. Ba Gyi’s way of showing appreciation was never about lavish praise or extravagant gestures. It was in the small, meaningful acts — a pat on the back, a moment of listening, a word of encouragement.

 

Aye’s experience mirrors this in many ways. Her family doesn’t overwhelm her with extravagant gifts or accolades; instead, they offer what truly matters — a sense of being recognized and valued. This steady affirmation has shaped her worldview, foster­ing not only confidence but also a deep sense of empathy. She, in turn, passes along the gift of ac­knowledgement, sharing positivity with everyone she encounters.

 

Appreciation in the Class­room

As a teacher, my goal is to foster an environment where ac­knowledgement is at the heart of our daily interactions. It’s not just about applauding academic achievements; it’s about celebrat­ing the journey — recognizing the effort, resilience, and growth that each student demonstrates. When I see a student struggling yet pushing through, I make sure to highlight their persistence. When kindness is shown to a peer, I take the time to recognize their em­pathy.

 

The effects are transforma­tive. Students who once hesitat­ed to speak up now share their thoughts with confidence. Those who once feared failure are now more willing to take risks, con­fident that their efforts will be appreciated, regardless of the outcome.

 

What I’ve come to understand is that recognition is far more than just a morale booster. It’s a corner­stone for trust and connection. It communicates to students that they are seen, not only as learn­ers but as unique individuals with their own strengths and potential. When we fail to acknowledge their contributions, we miss an oppor­tunity to empower them, to affirm that their efforts truly matter.

 

A Last Reflection

Appreciation is more than just a kind gesture; it’s a funda­mental responsibility we often overlook. Its power to heal, con­nect, and inspire is profound, yet it’s frequently brushed aside, and deemed less important than con­crete achievements.

 

So, is acknowledgement truly necessary? Or has it become a rare luxury in a world that values results more than recognition? Can we, as individuals, break free from this cycle of silence and re­discover the lost art of meaningful appreciation?

 

All in all, appreciation is more than just a kind gesture; it’s a fundamental responsibility we often overlook. Its power to heal, connect, and inspire is profound, yet it’s frequently brushed aside, and deemed less important than concrete achievements. There’s a subtle kind of magic that shapes our lives in ways we often don’t fully understand. It isn’t anything you can touch or measure, but its absence can be felt deeply, like a shadow that clouds the brightest moments. So, is acknowledge­ment truly necessary? Or has it become a rare luxury in a world that values results more than rec­ognition? Can we, as individuals, break free from this cycle of si­lence and rediscover the lost art of meaningful appreciation? Per­haps the real answers don’t lie in what we say but in what we choose to do. Maybe the quiet strength of appreciation holds the most trans­formative power of all. What will you choose to do with it?