A month before classes end for the year, my dream placement in OBM awaits me. I’m reminded of how many professors and mentors I’ve had, and the gratitude for the lessons I’ve received. Regardless, of whether a lesson was painful, or one consumed by mirth — it has allowed me to grow into the desire for a rich, meaningful, and purposeful life. I’ve had a plethora of florets chopped off prior to a full bloom, a complete Queen of Hearts “off with their heads!” moment. Meaning, I did not know how things were going to transpire when I turned my computer on, and clicked the link to my first online Zoom classroom. I’m thankful, for the opportunity to have been able to maneuver to in-person classes, reading my professor’s faces is so much easier when they are directly in front of me. (Which has induced so much satirical comedy.)

I’ve had male professors who’ve let’s say have been interesting, with consistent juxtaposed offerings; however, it’s the women I want to discuss in this article, after all, International Women’s Day was just last week. I’ll write another one later about the impact of my male professors later.

Over the years, during undergrad, we have been fortunate to have three main staple professors who’ve been our effigies of both Venus, Professor McGonagall, & Madame Curie. Remarkable, firm and so incredibly kind. They rule their classroom with an insane amount of dignity, and don’t feed us baby formula or mashed peas. We receive critical thought, in the form of pan-fried foie gras and poached halibut, with a fancy salad on the side; paired with a rich Château Lafite Rothschild Merlot, with killer legs, crème brûlée and Muscat with dessert. There is simplicity in the decadence of this meal, ingredients that are not foreign. The preparation is something to behold; this is what we are being given when we walk into our classroom. Most specifically by certain professors who shall not be named, not because they are Voldemort, because their anonymity requires respect. I don’t say it often, life tends to get in the way and time moves at a rate of a Porsche allowed to unleash on the auto bond.

I’m so incredibly thankful for their elegance and ferocity in consistently advocating for their students to learn and be stronger humans.

You know who you are, I love you all tremendously.