As a university professor, my teaching ability is evaluated in the classroom by students filling out forms every semester. My peers and my department chair do periodic evaluations using similar forms. Positive feedback from these evaluations is rewarding; however the best feedback a professor can receive is unsolicited praise from students.

This semester I received several thank you notes from students who took the time to write personal messages of appreciation for their experiences in my classes. That’s when I know I’m making a difference for my students; I want them to know that their notes make all the difference for me as a professor.

Whether you wrote to tell me that our time together was valuable, took a moment to thank me in person or even later, reflected positively on some of the wisdom I tried to share, I thank you for letting me know I contributed to your body of knowledge. Your success is the dividend from the investment we make in each other and your kind words of appreciation are an immense bonus to this professor.

Thank you again and good luck to each of you!