With regards to your request for more "motivational" examples, I hesitate to share some of them.  Although I have shared many, I do respect the students, when a message gets personal. Perhaps, they have shared the same with you, but I have no way of knowing. The most motivational exchanges usually occur when a student is having personal challenges. At that point, I don several different caps, even the 'Mom' one, because sometimes that's what they need and that character is well versed in most situations!

[Student name] and I have established a solid bond. She came into this course lacking confidence and only wanting to chat about her horse. Now, thanks to both of us, she is on target - writing better and doing well.