In Fall 2023 the Bok Center launched a Thank-a-Teacher program to elevate students’ appreciation for their instructors, as part of our goal of celebrating teaching in the FAS. We asked students: Do you have an instructor who is making a difference in your life? The response was overwhelming, with over 100 thank you notes from both undergraduate and graduate students!
The submissions were kind, thoughtful, and heartwarming, and showed the appreciation students have for their professors, teaching fellows, and course assistants. Here we share a few highlights from students across a range of courses:
Thank you for not just teaching us skills, but exposing us to so many new ideas – I feel like I see the world differently after your class, and for that, I can't thank you enough. Your advice is so detailed and specific, and I know I have become a better writer after your class. Definitely the best writing class I've taken in my life.
Thank you so much for organizing so many insightful lecturers, giving amazing presentations yourself, and most of all, creating a community of people thinking about these ideas that will stick together for all the years to come! You went beyond the regular duties of lectures and assignments and took personal time and resources to join students for dinners outside of class, and your personal investment in the course made it all the more meaningful. Thank you again, and I hope we cross paths soon.
Thank you for your work this semester! Being a student in your class was a highlight of my fall and I feel like I have learned so much thanks to your rigorous instruction. My heart swells with pride and joy to be a student in the philosophy department; I admire and respect you as well as countless other members of our community. Philosophy kept me grounded my first year at Harvard. As a first-gen, low-income, Latina student from an immigrant community, there was much to adjust to on campus. Even as a sophomore, I continue learning so much about college life. Professors like you, who empathize with students and make themselves accessible, really make the difference.
I am beyond grateful that I was lucky enough to be placed in your section. You made this class one of the most enjoyable, engaging courses I’ve taken at Harvard so far. I feel like I’ve grown so much in my research skills and how to be a better social scientist and academic writer. Thank you so much for always being there and being so helpful and supportive at office hours. I truly appreciate all of the time, dedication, and effort you’ve put into making this government course absolutely incredible. You’re the best!
Thank you for an incredible semester of learning about the issues that face our world. Especially during these difficult months, I have truly appreciated section so much because of you. Your kindness extends to those around you and I have genuinely grown to understand health is so much deeper than people realize. I am so grateful for your support. :) Thank you for being you!
Last week, we distributed notes to a total of 89 instructors across all divisions and 35 departments! We look forward to continuing this program this spring. Students can begin submitting their notes of gratitude on March 18, 2024.