To my first professor,

As an incoming freshman just a couple of years ago, I was afraid to open a new chapter in my life. I was not ready to open up to new people, especially professors. Everything I had ever heard about college professors was daunting. I imagined them to be harsh, cruel, and nowhere close to understanding. I was also informed that college professors were never ones to make time for their students, help them when they were falling behind, or be someone to come to with problems. I was in no way prepared to meet my first college professors.

However, upon my arrival to campus, I was faced with a challenge: meeting you, my first professor, outside of class. To me, this was inconvenient and uncomfortable. It put me in a sticky situation. What if I didn't like you? What if you were rude or condescending? What if you weren't understanding about my high level of anxiety?

I was wrong on every level. I met you before college even started. You met with a large group of students that you would have for a first-year-student course the upcoming semester. You were kind, generous, and had a great sense of humor. My only fear after meeting you was that you would not be the same way during our actual course together. After realizing this fear, you pulled me aside almost as if you knew exactly what I was thinking. You spoke to each student individually about their plans for college and what followed. You discussed our plans in a way that made each person feel as though any goal we set for ourselves was achievable. You addressed our fears about other professors, as well. You made it clear that not every professor on our campus, or others, for that matter, were the same as you. You let us know that you were not the typical professor, but many on our campus were also not what we probably expected them to be. After meeting you with and without people, I had decided even before meeting any others that you would be my favorite professor. You were more understanding than any other adult I had ever met.

Soon after, your course began, and I only learned to appreciate you more. You taught me things that I could not have learned anywhere else about things I never expected. If it was not for you and your Freshman Seminar, I never would have been able to handle my first year of college. You taught me things that high school never could have prepared me for. Soon enough, you were more than a professor. You were a friend. Whether I was in class with you or not, if I had a problem about anything, you were the one I could talk to. You made my first year of school much easier and happier than I ever expected it to be.

I have everything to thank you for. You were an amazing professor, friend, and confidant. You were understanding about each problem I faced, whether it was personal or academic. You were helpful. Without you, I would not be the student I am today. Thank you for everything you did for me.

Sincerely,

Your favorite student.