Dina,
You, by far, have been the most influential and motivational professor/teacher/person I have ever met in my life. You have gone on to become a mentor to me, one whose words and thoughts I crave for, knowing that there will be a valuable life lesson to come with it.
I will always be grateful for your motivational, challenging, and inspiring ways of teaching. I remember disliking getting put on the spot during class, but your can-do attitude and eyes said, I know you have it in you, and you were right. You found a way to tap into our best, and in doing so, you helped us find the best in ourselves, leading us to become better thinkers and more confident along the way.
I cannot count the ways you’ve helped me because they are limitless. Every time I engage in something new, I flashback to a teaching moment of yours and see you nodding, saying, “Don’t worry, you know the answer, you just can’t see it yet, it’s there.” You see the potential in your students and help them see it as well. That is a gift I wish other professors could have.
Because of you, I have begun mentoring others, using your inspirational, go-getter, and motivational style. You can say I’m paying it forward. So whenever anyone thanks me, they’ll be thanking you as well.
I hope one day that I can return the favor and give you a gift like the one you have given me. We need more professors and mentors like you.
Dina, continue on being the great role model you are. You are a visionary and a gift to humanity. I treasure everything you have taught me and with everything in my heart, want to tell you that you deserve every accolade that comes your way.
You are a true gift to humanity.
Jeremiah Roman, Jr.