To my favorite professor at the University of Utah.

I've never addressed you as Professor [insert last name here], and that's my favorite thing about our relationship. You are not the "sage on the stage" wise educator who stands in front of the class and spews wisdom while always wearing business attire. You don't rule your class with an iron fist and expect us students to grovel for every point that it would be our honor to receive based on your prestigious resumé. You treat your students as future peers, and I think I speak for all who have taken your class when I say that that sets you apart. As a student and as a young adult, I cannot emphasize to you just how inspiring it is to work with someone who looks at you and sees your potential, not just as another nth year college student who barely knows a fraction of what you do. Not only do you recognize your students' potential, but you work fiercely to have them realize that potential in themselves; and then you encourage them every day to take one step closer to the person they can someday be.

Your job is far from easy. But from the perspective of a student, I can promise you its worth it.

Thank you for encouraging me to think for myself. So much of the modern education system is grounded in factual memorization or depending on the instructor for guidance, but you have helped me learn just how powerful my own voice and my own mind are.

Your class isn't one that many people think would directly apply to progression in my field of study, but I can honestly say that the lessons I learned from you have helped me approach my professional arena with fresh eyes. Not only that, but thanks to you, I now have new ideas and new concepts that I gained from your class that my peers lack, and may even never gain. You have contributed to my receiving a holistic education at this University, and while that may not directly impact my "training", you've helped me develop an asset that many in my field lack - an independent mind.

Though I am not currently enrolled in one of your classes, I always enjoy and look forward to our random encounters in parking lots or coffee shops or sections of the library. You always express a genuine interest in how I am fairing - both in school and in life - which is more than I can say for other professors, for whom I'm just another nameless face in a lecture hall. I am so thankful to have gotten to know you over my first year of college. Thank you for recognizing each of your students' individuality, and encouraging us to chase our dreams.