To The Professor Who Believed In Me,

Last semester, I entered your classroom, overwhelmed with doubts and uncertainty. Will I be able to finish this semester? Am I ready to be in school? Will any issues set me back? You were both my professor and my advisor, so I knew I was supposed to rely on you for support. In my mind, I was already prepared for failure, but you disagreed. You saw the best in me, even when I was filled with pessimism.

During the second week of classes, I greeted you with a meltdown in your office. I couldn’t handle the stress of a full course load, and you understood: “You can take three classes,” you informed me. “I already know you’re a bright student, and you can always make up the four missing credits. Be easy on yourself.”

Throughout the semester, I began to see that you genuinely cared about my success. I opened up about my struggles, and we worked together to overcome these challenges. You made your class simple and fun, cheered for me when I received a 4.0 GPA, and spoke highly of me to other faculty members. I struggled to see why you believed in me from the beginning, but now I know that you saw my true potential. You knew that I could excel in college and encouraged me to achieve my goals...

Thank you for going out of your way to help me succeed. You have made many phone calls and wrote various emails, just so my life would be a little easier. Your help has fixed many scheduling issues and prevented many (unnecessary) meltdowns.

Thank you for understanding when I had rough times. You recognized when I would have a bad day and showed me compassion. I opened up about my past, and you never judged me for my low points and difficulties. Instead, you helped me turn my past into a motivator for a successful future.

Thank you for reminding me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. I know now that I can overcome any obstacle. I was able to complete a semester of college, despite coming in with the mindset that I would never succeed. I now know I am able to conquer my negative thoughts and achieve whatever I desire.

Thank you for being there for me, even though you are no longer my professor or advisor. I am no longer your responsibility, yet you still keep in touch and find ways to help me excel.You checked in on my progress while I took a course over the summer, and this semester, you recommended me for a job on campus. You continue to help me, which shows how much you truly care about my success.

Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.

Sincerely,

A Forever-Grateful Student