To one of the greatest teachers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!

Hello again Professor!

I cannot believe that it has been one year since I left to go explore Latin America.  What is even more surprising is that I cannot believe it has taken me this long to write this letter to you.  Within the first week of my new life down here I came to realize just how much you had prepared me for all that I had no idea to expect!  I am incredibly grateful for all that you taught me not only in regards to Spanish, but about life, how we live it, and how to learn to have confidence and faith in myself and my choices.

Firstly, I am able to actually survive and nearly thrive down here because of the year we spent making sure my brain would have at least some Spanish stored for my access.  A lot has come back to me as we go, as the stress and surprise of all these new accents and particular words are being thrown my way has lessened. You will not believe how many of the people that I run into down here compliment my ability to understand, and then speak Spanish.  I am not always understood, and I seem to still insist upon throwing out French words, but really, I have friends, make and understand jokes, and have an entire life down here in Spanish!  All of which, I owe to your patience and dedication two years ago (crazy how quickly time passed!).

Every day I have at least one moment where I can sit and admire the life I have now.  I often reflect on our discussions (both the ones in Spanish and those in English) about life, decisions, and enjoying what comes.  I hope that I would do those discussions proud, and still admire the fact that we have made so many of the same choices and happiness.  I appreciate knowing that we are kindred spirits and I am excited to be able to come back and share some of those with you some day.

But mostly I am incredibly grateful for the confidence in myself that you helped me plant.  I would have believed all the friends and family that asked me if I was crazy when I told them of our plans had it not been the blind faith you had in me from our first discussions.  I am a better person, more assured in my life and my path, and I for once in a long time I believe that I may actually one day find what I want to do with myself. At least, hopefully.  It's still a work in progress I guess, but at least it's moving in the right direction now thanks to your guidance.

Thank you for all that you did for me, thank you for your support and friendship, and most of all, thank you for all your help in giving me the way to enjoy this life I have chosen.  I can only hope that you also are as happy.
alison