Going back to school while working full-time isn't a solo journey. Behind every successful student is a network of people making it possible, from the program that funds your tuition to the coworker who picks up a few extra tasks come exam time.
Here at EdAssist® by Bright Horizons®, we know that there are plenty of factors that can lead to success. We help employers offer financial support through tuition assistance and student loan repayments, and we have extensive resources available online to help adult learners excel in school.
But we’ll never overlook the fact that a strong support system— which can include family, friends, managers, and coworkers— can make a huge difference when you’re going back to school as an adult learner. These people deserve recognition.
Here's how to show your appreciation to everyone who's supporting your educational goals.
1. Write a genuine thank-you note
In a world of quick texts and emails, a handwritten note stands out. Take a few minutes to write a sincere thank-you to your manager, a supportive coworker, or a family member who's been especially understanding.
Be specific about what they did and how it helped you. "Thank you for covering my Tuesday shifts last month so I could attend my evening classes" means more than a generic "thanks for everything."
If handwritten feels too formal for your workplace culture, a thoughtful email works too. The key is making it personal and specific, and to put some real effort into it. Since it’s the end of the year, adding the message may also be a good option.
2. Share your wins
When you ace an exam, finish a tough project, or earn your degree, share that success with the people who made it possible. Send your manager an update about how the skills you're learning are already benefiting your work, and tell your coworkers how their flexibility during your midterms made a real difference.
If your company has an internal newsletter or communication channel, consider sharing your story there. Mention how EdAssist made continuing education financially possible, but also acknowledge the human support that kept you going. Your story might even inspire colleagues to pursue their own educational goals.
3. Return the favor when you can
Support systems work both ways. When your coursework lightens up, actively look for opportunities to help the coworkers who covered for you. Offer to take on extra projects or volunteer for the less desirable shifts when possible.
And if a family member has walked your dog so you could go straight to campus after work, or a neighbor dropped off a few meals, maybe offer some over-the-holidays babysitting when you have the bandwidth.
This isn't about keeping score, but instead getting the chance to create a culture of mutual support. When people see that helping each other works, they're more likely to offer support to the next person who needs it.
4. Bring your new knowledge back to the team
One of the best ways to thank your workplace supporters is to share what you're learning. Did you pick up a new approach to project management? Learn a technical skill that could streamline your team's workflow? Discover research that's relevant to your industry? Bring it back.
Offer to lead a lunch-and-learn session, share helpful articles, or simply apply your new knowledge in ways that benefit everyone. When EdAssist’s Zachery Gries used his continued education benefits to learn about AI and project management, for example, he participated in an AI think tank to identify new ways to tackle multiple critical objectives.
Employers that invest in tuition assistance programs often do so partially because supporting your education benefits the entire team so prove that investment is paying off by making your team stronger.
5. Don't forget the home front
Your family and friends have probably made sacrifices too. Maybe your partner handled more household responsibilities while you studied, your kids learned to be patient when you had to work on assignments, or your friends understood when you had to skip gatherings during exam season.
Plan something special once your semester ends. It doesn't have to be elaborate. A nice dinner, a day trip you've been putting off, or simply dedicating a weekend to being fully present with them can have a huge impact and help remind them that they’ll have something to look forward to at the end of your next semester.
6. Give feedback to improve the program
EdAssist helps thousands of employees pursue continuing education every year. If your experience with the program was positive, let them know what worked. If you encountered obstacles or have ideas for improvement, share that feedback too.
Your insights can help EdAssist better support future students. Whether it's praising a responsive academic coach or suggesting ways to simplify the reimbursement process, your input contributes to making continuing education more accessible for everyone. That's a way of paying it forward to other employees who'll use the program after you.
7. Just say thank you
Sometimes the simplest approach is the most powerful. Tell people directly: "Thank you. I couldn't have done this without you."
Your manager who approved your flexible schedule so you could make it to class times? Thank them in person.
The coworker who answered questions when you were too busy to keep up with office changes? Tell them you noticed and appreciate it.
The EdAssist advisor who helped navigate a complicated tuition reimbursement issue? Send them a note of appreciation.
Being specific matters here, too. "Thank you for believing in me when I wasn't sure I could handle both work and school" means extra.
The bigger picture
Continuing education requires a support system that goes beyond paperwork and policies. Yes, EdAssist provides the financial resources and administrative framework that makes going back to school realistic. That's huge. But you also need people who believe in you, cover for you, and cheer you on.
When you take time to acknowledge and thank your support system, you're doing more than being polite. You're strengthening relationships, building a culture of mutual support, and reminding yourself that you're part of a team, both at work and at home.
Your educational journey is an investment in yourself, but it's also made possible by the investments others make in you. So, take a moment, assess who's been in your corner, and let them know they made a difference.
Looking for more resources to excel in continued education? Check out EdAssist’s LevelUp Studio!
