Hello! Asking for some genuine advice from the prof community:
I recently asked one of my best professors and mentors to ask me a recommendation letter for a research grant. Not only is she a professor that I look up to and respect so much, but she is also a woman that I find truly inspiring.
She invested significant time into giving me thoughtful feedback on my research proposal in addition to writing me what I'm sure was a sincere letter of recommendation. Today, I found out that I didn't receive the grant.
When I read the letter, I wasn't as much disappointed in myself for not getting the grant as I was that I would have to deliver the bad news to my professor. She was so heavily invested in the process and I almost feel indebted to her.
In this type of situation, how would you appreciate your student sharing this type of news with you? Would you care at all?
She's so amazing, I just don't want to let her down.
Thanks!!