Dear Professor
I remember the first day I met you. I was still in high school and I thought I had it all figured out.
Your class was the first time that I was ever challenged academically.
Normally an A student, I was not familiar with failure. I was embarrassed, but you never once made me feel inferior.
Your positivity and encouragement motivated me to push myself, study hard and embrace the challenge.
When I decided to change my major, you were one of the very first peopleI told. Even though the major I wanted to leave was the department you belong to.
In reaction to my news of changing my major, you told me wise words I will never forget. You said "there are many ways to reach your dreams." I still cling to those words as a graduate. Those words have humbled me in challenging situations.
You saw through me, and into the root of my soul. It's hard to explain, but you knew when I felt lost and afraid.
One day on campus I was walking alone and you stopped to ask me how I was really doing. This was the first time that entire day anyone paused to ask me such a question. You cared about me as a student and as a person.
Another day, when I was feeling even worse, you came over and gave me a hug without even saying anything. Your support helped me get through my stressful day.
As the years progressed, I was challenged even more. However, after learning how to cope with obstacles, I was armed and ready for battle. Your class taught me the skills I needed to rise above confusion.
As I blossomed in my new major, you were happy for me and eager to listen to my successes.
You also always supported my love for writing. Every once in a while when I'd bump into you, you would tell me that you read my most recent article in the campus newspaper. I was beyond thankful to know you took the time to read my articles
You told me that you could witness my growth. It is because of you that I was able to grow into the person I am today.
You were always just a smile and wave away any time I was in the dining hall.
Being away from home, being indecisive about my major and struggling for the first time was very overwhelming, but your kindness and support helped me through my freshman year and all the years after until I reached graduation.
On graduation day, you took the time to come up to me and chat. I was so thankful to talk to you before the commencement activities started.
Your kindness touched my heart as you congratulated me and told me how proud you were of me. You even clapped for me as we progressed into the ceremony.
Words can't express my gratitude for all that you've done. This thank you note is not enough. But, I want to thank you. Thank you for remembering my name so quickly, for challenging me, for never giving up on me, for listening to me, for genuinely asking how I was doing, for being such a positive light, for caring, for going out of your way to check in on me and for truly just being you.
Thank you for helping me become who I am today. Thank you for changing my life in a positive way.
I miss you already,
But I know you will never stop caring, and we will keep in touch.
Thank you for being the professor who cares--
Your former student and your current friend
