Dear an awesome priest,

Yep, that's you. You are truly something else. The way that you make people laugh, smile, cry (in a good way), and just have an all-around awesome demeanor is truly inspiring and somewhat contagious. You may not know this, or maybe you do, but in any matter, you are an inspiration. This letter is for you: a thank you note for all that you do for college students amid your busy schedule to make college, along with our faith journeys, memorable experiences. But that's not all; most importantly, thank you for your vocation.

College is tough. It's great and all, but let's be honest, there are many moments when students are so overwhelmed that they want to throw in the towel and call it quits. Between learning to manage classes, the homework that accompanies those respective classes, making time for friends and some sort of social life, remembering to eat and breathe, and maintaining a strong faith life can be extremely difficult. You see us in these hard times and you never hesitate to make sure that everything is alright. Even if you are having bad day, you set aside your trials to assist us in any way that you can.

Taking time to pray, go to Mass, be in a bible study, and be a disciple of Jesus Christ is hard to add into our hectic schedule, but you teach us the importance having all of those aspects in our lives. You remind us of the importance of peeling our eyes from the textbooks and stepping into the chapel to allow times of prayer. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all that college has to offer, but you are always there to help us take our minds off of the stressful moments and spend time with us to help us relax.

But there are also moments when we find ourselves in spiritual hardship, when we are in a challenging situation and we feel as though God isn't there. You take time from your busy life to meet with us and guide us on our spiritual journey. Your direction, knowledge, and support enables us to make it through the difficult times and to know that while it may seem like God is distant at the current moment, He is always with us, no matter where we are in our lives.

Thank you for always being there for the students on your campus, Father. You have impacted the lives of so many people and through your vocation to the priesthood, you have made a difference in the world around you. Thank you for allowing us to look to you for guidance and support. Thank you for your prayers and know that your students are praying for you.

Thank you for your "yes."

Sincerely.

A grateful college student