It’s taken me a while to find the right words to express just how much you’ve impacted my life. And even now, I find myself struggling to put them together without sounding like a broken record.
Through all the countless “thank you’s” I’ve said over time, I don’t think I ever truly expressed what they meant. Maybe it was the fear of getting too emotional, of breaking down in the middle of my words. But I’ve always wanted you to know just how grateful I am to have had you as my instructor—and now, I finally have the chance.
At first, you were just another instructor—a really tall and intimidating one, at that. Never did I expect you to become so much more. You became a mentor. A guide. A friend.
You became someone I never knew I needed in my life.
Someone who pushed me outside my comfort zone. Someone who never sugarcoated anything. Someone who saw meaning in my work, sometimes even before I could see it myself. Someone who helped shape me into the designer I am today and showed me how my work could inspire others.
I didn’t believe in myself, but you believed in me.
I remember the first time you told me that. I wanted so badly to see what you saw in me. I wanted to believe in myself the way you did. And now, I always will. Even when I hit creative roadblocks, your words push me forward. I still stumble, still get lost in doubt, but because of you, I always find my spark again.
You’ve always gone beyond just teaching. You take the time to guide, inspire, and challenge us to think differently. You never try to fit us into a mold; instead, you help us refine our own styles, embrace our individuality, and see beyond the surface of our work. You encourage us to create with purpose, to design with meaning, to push the boundaries of what we think we’re capable of.
I admire so much about you—your passion for design, theatre, and teaching. Your endless knowledge of history, typography, spirituality, and so much more. Your ability to balance patience with sarcasm, seriousness with humor. Your kindness, your wisdom, your willingness to listen and understand.
You were there when I was struggling. You were there when I found my voice. You were there when I finally stepped onto this path. And I hope you’ll continue to be there—because I’ll be messaging you with every future achievement, wanting to share my journey with the person who helped shape it.
I don’t know where I’d be if you hadn’t been there to guide me. You taught me to be unafraid of designing outside the box, to turn what seemed impossible into something within my reach.
You believed in me, and now, because of you, I finally believe in myself.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Former Student
