This picture was taken on the first day of the program.

Looking at it now makes me smile because I remember how anxious I was. I remember telling you that I worried I was too old to take on a doctoral degree. Without missing a beat, you said, "Now is the best time to do it because you can enjoy it."

Throughout the program, there were a number of moments like that. Whenever I was questioning whether I could do it, you always seemed to have the right perspective at exactly the right time.

Well... I did it.

As you head into retirement, I wanted to thank you. Not just for leading the program, but for seeing something in me that I didn't always see in myself.

Your encouragement mattered more than you probably know, and it played a meaningful role in one of the accomplishments I am most proud of. Earning this degree changed me, and I'm grateful for the role you played in that journey.

Wishing you a wonderful retirement. You've made a difference in a lot of lives, and I'm certainly one of them.

With gratitude,

Teresa