When you attend a small, liberal arts college, you tend to get to know your professors fairly well. The small class sizes allow for relationships to be built and connections to be made. Professors are always willing to go the extra mile and help students at their office hours. I wanted to attend a small college for this reason. I wanted my professors to know me. I didn’t want to just be another face in the crowd of hundreds of people. Last semester, I met a professor who changed my life for the better, and I would like to dedicate this letter to her.
Dear Professor,
Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t say it enough. When I first took your class, I was extremely apprehensive. “Speech.” What did that mean? I thought I was going to be doing a lot of public speaking which had always been a fear of mine. But, I was hoping that your class would help overcome my fear. Public speaking really wasn’t the main emphasis of the course, though. The name is definitely misleading. It should be called something like “Life Skills” or “Things You Should Know in Order to Succeed in Life.”
I’ll never forget feeling confused and shy at the very beginning of the semester. I knew I needed to push myself and become involved in the class discussions. I found myself reverting to my old ways though and not wanting to participate. For as long as I can remember, I have never been a fan of participating in class. I always liked to stay more in the background and just observe everything going on while taking studious notes. But, after meeting with you in your office, it was like a light bulb went off. I told you I didn’t like to participate because deep down, I don’t like to be wrong. You then asked me if I had ever laughed at someone who participated and got the question wrong. And, that’s when it clicked. It doesn’t matter whether I’m right or wrong, what matters is that I’m trying.
So, with that in the back of my mind, I began to push myself more in class. I found myself becoming passionate about the class project we were planning. Suddenly, I was one of the leaders in charge of running the meetings. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be elected to this role. Professor, thank you for allowing me to have this opportunity. And, thank you for guiding me through the whole process. It was a trying, stressful time. But, I learned so much through it. I learned the skills necessary to be a good leader. I learned a lot about myself, how I work, and how I want to work in the future. My confidence has grown immensely. I am more comfortable talking in front of groups and asserting myself to make a positive impact inside and outside the classroom. Most people can’t say they had this opportunity in college, and I am so grateful that I was able to.
Finally, thank you for being there for me throughout the semester. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciated it. When the stress of classes began piling up on me, you realized it and set aside time to talk to me one on one to help. Most professors wouldn’t have done that. I’d never had a professor care like you did. I know you care greatly about the well-being of all your students, so anyone who takes you is extremely lucky. Your class was the most beneficial class I have taken yet, and I am so glad that I did.
Sincerely,
A Grateful Student
