system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Responding to student email after job talk

Greetings Academics!

I received an email from a graduate student who attended my job talk campus interview(which included a teaching demo) for a position I turned down. 

The email expresses student and her assertion of other students sentiments of connection and “devastation” at my decline. I remember this student in particular and the demo in general as the class was very engaged the whole time. The email was very kind and didn’t press for information. The student seemed concerned to ensure it didn’t come across as inappropriate.

My question is guidance on how to respond. I imagine I should be brief and focus on the affirming the pleasant experience and avoid details of why I declined. I would feel heartless to not respond but curious on how to navigate this. Any suggestions of what to say or what to avoid saying would be appreciated!

ETA: sent email. A balance of the feedback that felt true to self as well. I meant every word and that felt good. Thanks for all the feedback!
gpt
Your instincts are correct. Thank the student(s) for reaching out and for their concern. Thank them also for their engagement during the class, and wish them well. No need to provide personal information.