"Who is the best professor you've ever had?"

Reading that question, I'm assuming someone popped into your mind almost instantly, maybe even more than one person. Being at a large university such as West Virginia, we've all been exposed to a number of professors, some great and some not-so-great. As a senior about to graduate, I've had my fair share of terrible professors, but I've also had some great professors, whom I look up to and admire for the inspiration they've instilled in me.

Fortunately, the only truly terrible professors I've really had have been in relation to my general education courses. The College of Media at WVU, in my experience, is filled with intelligent, passionate professors who genuinely care about the work they do. And while a few of them may be tough, they care about their students, helping them reach their full potential. When I think about all of the professors I've had over these past four years, two professors in particular come to mind; one within the College of Media and another who sparked my interest in and love for political science.

So here's to you, professors.

Thank you for teaching the courses you did and offering me a chance to learn about something new.

Thank you for inspiring me with your stories, wisdom and knowledge about your (and soon-to-be-mine) field of expertise.

Thank you for challenging me with each lecture, assignment and in-class discussion, forcing me to think about my views, opinions and what I want in life.

Thank you for letting me complain (and even cry) to you during your office hours because of the work I put in that didn't seem to be enough.

Thank you for praising me when I doubted myself, only to find out you were more than impressed and happy with the work I put in front of you.

Thank you for not only giving me academic advice, but for giving me life and career advice, sharing your own stories of failure and success.

Thank you for making me question my choice of major at times, only to reassure me that I am following the correct path.

Thank you for questioning the work I did and pushing me to my limits when I didn't think I had anything left to give, making me realize my full potential.

Thank you for instilling a true sense of love and inspiration in me that I never thought I could have for a college major.

Thank you for making my academic and college experience worthwhile.

Thank you for becoming more than just a professor, but a true mentor.

Thank you for being someone for me to look up to, for instilling a sense of love, passion and inspiration in me throughout these past four years.

And finally, thank you for being you.

Thank you for truly making my college experience worthwhile and for being the best professors I've ever had.

Sometimes it's tough to think about the fact that in a few short weeks, I'll be graduating. And knowing your office won't be a five-minute walk away from my classroom sucks, honestly. But you have given me more than I ever expected to gain from my past four years and I am beyond thankful for everything you've done for me.

So once again, here's to you, professors. Thank you for everything.