Jenn,

I feel like I’ve known you forever. I don’t know exactly when you started helping with quizzing on the Intermountain District, but in my head you’ve always been a part of it. Since the beginning of time. Quizzing was such a big part of my youth, and while I didn’t continue helping with the program after I graduated, I do so appreciate that you’ve continued to make it a priority in your life. I know it takes a lot of time and energy, and I am so thankful that you’ve continued on; even though I also know that teaching keeps you very busy.

When I was at NNU, I avoided the science department as much as possible. Strictly out of fear. I never felt smart enough to spend much time there. I took Astronomy because I was assured it was an easy A (it wasn’t), and then I took Human Biology because it was in Wiley (my safe place on campus), and also because I was assured it was an easy A (it was). I regret not having more faith in myself back then. I wish I would have pushed myself to dig deeper and learn more about the things that scared me. I see how much you care for your students through your posts online, and through their own words, and I wish I could have counted you among my professors. I am, however, so glad to count you among my friends.

I would like you to know that I’ve spent the last two days perusing graduate programs at a few different schools. This isn’t something I’ve felt able to do in a long time because it was just too depressing. I’ve always wanted to continue my education, but I also had convinced myself maybe I just wasn’t meant to. Seven years of “no” is hard to get past. Freshman year at NNU, a professor asked us what we wanted to do with our English degrees, and I said, “Teach at the university level.” I think that’s still the direction that I want to go. So, I’m looking into a few options now, and trying to figure out the most fiscally responsible way to go about things. I’m not sure where I’ll go or what I’ll do, but the important thing is: I’m looking!

I know you weren’t the only person involved in helping me to figure out a path to finally finishing my B.A., however, if it hadn’t been for you speaking up, telling me not to give up, and advocating to others on my behalf, I’m not sure I would be in this place right now. I just wanted to say thank you again. Thanks for helping me get back to the point of being able to dream. I can’t fully tell you how giant the overflow of emotion was when I got your message, but I can try to illustrate it by letting you know I had to leave my office for a bit because I was sobbing with tears of joy, and I couldn’t keep quiet!

Thank you for your help. Thank you for teaching me, through your dedication to quizzing, as well as through your advocacy for me, not to give up on important things.

Krissy