A Letter to My Professors

This blog post is dedicated to all of the educators who are currently giving all of the energy they have, as they work in an environment that might not support their typical teaching plans and styles, while still taking on the emotional weight of caring for their students from a far. I sincerely admire and appreciate all of you.

My professors have been so forgiving during a time in this world that’s been the complete opposite. I’ve seen educators share stories in person and on social media about students in positions they need to accommodate for - be it losing a loved one to the virus, having to move back into a stressful living situation, or being called to work on the front lines in grocery stores or hospitals. For the rest of their students, they understand that motivation is difficult to find in a seemingly apocalyptic world where learning must continue as it was scheduled.

I want to recognize them.

Educators are human beings, but their ability to adjust and re-evaluate lessons and activities, so they translate to remote learning is superhuman. Even more than that, though, their continued connection with their students, concerns for progress, and willingness to understand the complicated living situations of each individual deserves to be highlighted. It is beyond admirable.

I have two classes that meet weekly on Zoom and three that record lectures and post them on Blackboard with notes. For both of my Zoom classes - which are both English classes - my professors have cultivated a supportive environment and safe space where students can openly share challenges they’re facing and provide words of encouragement to their peers. For my other three classes, my professors have reached out via email to check in on their students and offer us the ability to conference via Zoom if we are struggling with anything. I am thankful for all of them.

So, the following is a message to my professors, as the semester begins to wrap up:

Thank you for the support system you’ve given me purely out of the kindness of your hearts. You’ve offered your ear and advice through this adjustment period, even as you may struggle with your own personal daily battles. As educators, you are only required to teach students - your kindness goes above and beyond that. I feel lucky to have this support.

Thank you for understanding my lack of motivation, my brain forgetting deadlines and not functioning enough to meet them, and my efforts to still be a good student. I imagine that it has not been easy for you, either, and I want to acknowledge your determination to make this semester the best it can be under these circumstances.

Thank you for offering video chat support sessions and compassion; for checking in on us students; for asking not only if we are okay, but also how all of this is impacting us, what we are struggling with personally, and offering advice to make such a major adjustment.

Thank you for inviting us into your homes virtually.

Thank you for giving us 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances to be turn things in.

Thank you for making this world a brighter place, even during the darkest times.

Thank you.