I just finished up my first semester of college, and I could not be more thankful for the people I have met. I love my friends, I miss my family, and my professors are amazing. I was lucky enough to have a great line-up of professors, but one stuck out to me in particular.
I tested into a relatively high-level Spanish class, and I am not exaggerating when I said it was absolutely terrifying. I did not feel as if I was up to par in the slightest with the other students in my class. There were native speakers, students who had taken AP Spanish, and here I was, two years out from taking my last Spanish class, and I felt like a deer in the headlights.
My high school teachers had always told me that college professors were completely heartless and that they would not be there to help me in the ways that I might need. My experience was completely different than that, and my Spanish professor was very welcoming and encouraging.
I told him my situation, and he listened intently, and never talked down to me. He explained that it was his job to help me build my knowledge and comfort levels back up when it came to the language.
His class was upbeat, fun, and informative. Not a day went by when he didn't try to put a smile on our faces. From acting out funny scenes, to singing in the classroom, to quoting "Dude, Where's My Car," he made my first shot at a language in college the most fun I have ever had in the classroom.
I had an oral exam a few days ago, and after I finished speaking, I learned that he made it a point to talk to each student about their life a little bit. He spoke to me about my family, tattoos, and teaching for a long time, and I could not be more thankful to have a professor who I was able to relate to.
Today was my last class, and I can honestly say that I almost cried afterward. I know that I probably will not have him again, but I am beyond grateful that he was able have such an effect on me. He is just one of those people that loves his job so much, and makes everyone around him want that for their future.
