Dear Professor,
When I saw your reviews on the Rate My Professor website, I knew I wasn’t in for an easy semester. However, I was ready for the challenge. One former student said in their review to take your class if for a real-world experience. I was eager to take your class and even stayed after on the first day to talk to you about problems I had. In the beginning it seemed like smooth sailing, that is until you kept giving me Fs.
I’m not one of those students who thinks the teacher is out to get them but I know when I don't deserve an F. After countless conversations and grade changes we still couldn't see eye to eye as the semester came to a close. After a much-defeated semester, I really started to doubt my abilities and if I was right for this major. While I know I'm far from the best, I never questioned why I chose this major until your class.
After changing my major twice, I felt like I finally found my niche. Several quarter-life crises later I realized you bettered me as a student and writer. Before your class I would never have fought so much for a grade. I would have accepted it as it was and just hoped that I'd do better the next time. You taught me that I have to stand up for what I believe is right. Instead of being afraid to question the teacher, I will ask right away instead of waiting around.
As easy as it is for me to sit and write about how terrible you were and you were, it wouldn't be fair not to give you the credit you deserve. Even though it ended in fights, you always sat down and had a conversation with me. On your better days you'd sit down and explain to me how to better my writing and what words I should change to sound more professional. You taught me not to be afraid to get up and speak to strangers to get the full story. You taught me how to be a better journalist.
You pushed me to the point where I questioned if this was really what I wanted to do. You taught me how to produce work that I was genuinely proud of. You showed me that if I really felt that if my work was good to prove it, instead of saying that we just have different styles. Though I thought I was going to quit, you showed me what it's really going to be like in the field I'll eventually be working in. It won't be easy but I'm grateful I won't be blindsided.
While I'm glad I never have to take one of your classes again, I'm very grateful to have had you as a professor. No matter how much trouble you gave me, you still managed to teach me a lot of valuable life lessons. As much as it bugs me to say, thank you professor.
Sincerely,
Your former student
