When you go to college, whether it is a big or small campus, you never expect to form a close family bond with your classmates let alone your professor. Lucky for me, I have found a new family within my degree. I know there are other students on other campuses around the world who feel the same about their professors.

Dear Professor,

When I thought about going to college and what I wanted to do with my life, tourism and this university were not the first things that came to mind. I'm just being honest. College scared me. The idea of being on my own scared me. The first day of classes with people I didn't know scared me. I mean, what do you expect when your professor starts saying his girlfriend is Shakira? Obviously you're gonna think he's nuts. Well you are, and I know our whole class loves you for it.

I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for everything you have taught me so far. You have expanded my love and knowledge for what I am doing with my life. You have pushed me way past my limits—who knew I would've bounced back like I did? You always assure me that I can do it. You’re not just telling me to keep going, but you are encouraging and are constantly leading me down the right path when I am lost and confused about my future. Thank you for always being honest and for all of the constructive criticism. It has helped me to achieve my full potential and allowed me to do things I never thought I would be able to do.

You believe in me when I don’t believe in myself. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve been able to have, opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to have anywhere else. Because of you, I’ve tried different activities and opened my eyes to a variety of possibilities.

Your time and dedication to our class is noticed and doesn't go by unappreciated. We all love you, and I know we will all miss you when it is time for us to leave. But know that no matter where we all end up, we're all going to be a family, we're all going to remember you, and one day you will be there to see some of us get married. Crazy, right?

One day I'm going to reflect the countless hours spent in your office, just venting about my day or my week. I will remember the countless tears shed in the office with some of my closest friends. Those will be my favorite college memories, memories I will share with my future children. I can only hope they have a professor as good as you. Someday when I am successful, just keep in mind that I will look back and remember how lucky I was to have such an influential professor.