Dear Mr. Driscoll,

You probably don’t remember me, but I was in the Tuesday/Thursday afternoon section of your THL 100: Christianity in Context class in the fall of 2005. I never got the chance to say thank you after I handed you my completed final examination; if I would have known it was the last time I would see you, I would have expressed how grateful I am to have had you as a teacher.

The transition to life as a college student is a very difficult one. Making new friends, adjusting to life with a roommate, and learning how to stay on top of all of your coursework is quite stressful. I was a glowing example of the frantic first year student. I started my college career as a perfectionist, striving for A’s in all of my courses, A’s on all of my papers, and having all the course readings finished before class. Yet my worst times of anxiety occurred when I was studying for tests and when I was taking them. I seemed to think the world would end if I didn’t know every answer. I was miserable until I received the greatest advice from you.

While taking our first test in your class, you must have noted that a few of us were looking rather tense. You asked for the class’s attention and proclaimed “Guys! Relax your shoulders and loosen the grip on your pencil – it’s just a test!” It was such a simple request from you but that advice helped me get through my four years of college without having a single panic attack. That isn’t to say that I brushed off every test; I studied for every examination and took the tests seriously, but I never let the stress overwhelm me. I learned to enjoy my college days and it was all thanks to you.

I was so saddened to learn of your passing that next spring. You lived a wonderful life, serving God and touching the life of all who knew you. I pray that you may know how truly grateful I am to have known you. I may not remember when the Council of Trent was or any of the vocabulary terms associated with Hinduism, but I certainly remember to put things into perspective; after all, sometimes it’s just a test.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth