Dear Professor,

Thank you for understanding what it is like to be a student. You understand the stress of trying to get everything done in time, join a bunch of clubs, go to the gym, make some money, and hang out with your friends, all while not forgetting to eat and get some sleep. Thank you for understanding that sometimes life happens, and there is nothing I can do about it.

I appreciate that your class is fair. I appreciate a class that exemplifies an equal partnership. Without sounding whiny and ignorant, I personally feel that I am more inclined to work harder in a class where I know I will benefit. Some classes and professors give homework that seems like busy work, which makes me feel like I am wasting my time if I get nothing important out of it. Again, without seeming like a brat, I just don't get how some teachers do not understand the value of time: my time, and theirs.

Your class is fair in the sense that there is a consideration for me, the student. Not only is there an ample amount of time to complete my work, but there is a sense of understanding that sometimes, this still might not be enough time. Students are busy, with their own lives and five classes with teachers who have their own demands.

I am very thankful for professors like you, who remember what it was like to be a full-time student and understand that their class is not the only class I take. Assigning a million things for homework is only making me frustrated and stressed, making it really hard for me to complete my work to the best of my ability. And, as someone who really does care about my schoolwork, this rush to get everything done makes me even more stressed because I feel like I am only doing my work to get it done, not actually learn from it.

I, personally, understand that professors do not want to be taken advantage of. They want students to learn their material with no excuses because that's just how life is. There are no "good" excuses in the real world, and people don't always consider your personal health or value of time, and college is definitely a good time to start learning this.

With that being said, we are all human, and there is certainly not enough time in the day. It is really comforting to know that your professor genuinely cares about you and your well-being. This, to me, if not an incentive to slack off, but to work harder, in order to show my appreciation.

Basically, what I am trying to say is, thank you. You have made my life seem so much more manageable in many ways. I hope that more professors can learn from you and understand that we really are trying our best, but sometimes it doesn't seem like enough. Thank you for everything you do, your kindness does not go unnoticed.

A Tired Student