Dear Professor,
I have had plenty of teachers in my life, but none quite like you. Typically, I tend to get along with my professors just fine. I take the course, do my work, and pass the class. But with you, it was very different. You sparked something in me to want to do more, to work harder, and to be a better person. Your guidance impacted my life, and that is why you are my favorite professor.
As a clueless freshman walking into my huge lecture hall of over 300 students, I had no idea that I was walking into the class that would decide for me what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. This class was a three-hour long night class, and I'm sorry, but that sounded just awful. The class covered a GenEd I needed, so I decided to take it. And boy, am I glad I did.
I was very interested in the topic you were teaching, so instead of sitting on Facebook for three hours (which was tempting), I listened. I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life at that point, and was really open to anything. You seemed like a welcoming guy, so I decided to send you an email about meeting with you during office hours to learn a little bit more about the major. I was just a number on your class roster, but you agreed to meet with me. You told me all about the major and all the things I could do with it. I was in your office for an hour that day just soaking up all this exciting information. You were so passionate about it, and that's what made me decide. I wanted to be that passionate about my job one day, too. I declared my major that day.
That was three years ago, and now I am about to be a senior and will graduate in a year. I have taken multiple classes of yours since then, and you are also my academic advisor, so I see you often. You always pushed me to be better and not settle for mediocre work. You were a tough grader, but I know it was because you wanted to push your students to their highest potential. Your classes weren't easy, that's for sure. But I'm so glad they weren't. Your high expectations made me strive to be a better student.
Thank you for welcoming the amount of times I have come strolling into your office with questions. I know you are busy, but you always take time out of your day for your students. If I was struggling with an assignment, you would be more than happy to help, but that is your job. I came in many times with questions about future career choices, internships, interviews, resume and cover letter help, and even life advice that you would gladly help me with, no matter how busy you were. That is not required of your job, but you helped me anyway. Any professor can help with assignments, but not many would go to the lengths that you do for your students. Thank you for caring.
Not only are you my favorite professor, but you are my mentor and a friend. Your guidance helped lead me on the path that I was meant to take. You are the reason I am where I am today. Thank you for everything you do. Your students appreciate you more than you'll ever know.
Sincerely,
Your Student
