To The Professor Who Changed It All,

I've found in my life that I have collected a number of people that have truly made a meaningful impact on me. These individuals have come into my life as instructors, family, friends and sometimes even acquaintances. Through these relationships, I have learned a lot about myself and the world around me.

Of these amazing individuals who have forever left an impression on me, one professor specifically stands out in my years of pursuing an education.

The most incredible part of him teaching me was that it came at a time when I least expected it.

Transferring to my university from my tiny community college was one of the most hectic journeys I could never imagine I would have to traverse. From insane course loads to summer classes each year, my transition to CSUN was full of sacrifices and late nights studying.

So naturally, when I finally did make the transfer, I imagined things would roughly be the same as before, I sign up for classes, put some effort in and wa-la! an A. I would like to officially put it on the record that I could not have been more wrong in my assessment. I underestimated the amount of autonomy I would have in university and in my classes. My professor showed me this the first day of class by intimidating the crap out of me.

Let it be clear that I have always maintained a heathy respect for past and present instructors, but this professor was something else. He instantly made me feel like a middle schooler who forgot to do her reading all over again. I'll never forget that first day and honestly questioning myself if I should try to switch out of this crazy professor's class. I even remember calling my parents afterward to talk about classes and mentioning my uncertainty.

Thankfully, I decided to stay enrolled in the class. I'm not sure what possessed me to do so, maybe it was my determination to flip things around, but it worked. From that day forward I tried my best to earn an A in the class but quickly realized that my usual tactics would not be useful here. Instead, I learned the importance of really absorbing the material and applying the concepts to my life. Although this sounds like a no-brainer, to a kid that's been in school all her life, I had forgotten what the purpose of school really was: retention.

I'm so glad I took that professor my first semester at university because the concepts I learned in that class helped me to have a useful mindset for the rest of my time at CSUN. In my final semester, I got the opportunity to take this professor again. Even though I knew it would be a lot of work for my last semester, I realized it would be worth it to get the chance to learn from this incredibly wise individual. And guess what happened the first day of class this spring semester when I walked in? He once again scared the crap out of me! He made me question my agency and sense of purpose all over again, and for that, I am truly thankful. I needed a good shaking from the complacency that I had begun to slip back into. We all have a comfortable place, I was re-establishing mine.

Consequently, this semester has been tough, but I know I've grown a lot in my personhood, and those are the kind of lessons that you don't always stumble upon. In the beginning my work was subpar, but with his mentoring I was able to find my voice and my autonomy again. The lessons I learned through conversations in his office hours will always be treasured.

So, to the professor who changed my life, I thank you. Thank you for seeing my potential and encouraging me to always reach a little farther, even when it's not comfortable.