Here’s the situation- I’m a music major in college and over this semester I’ve run into some issues…I did major damage to my vocal cords and it has required Months of Dr. visits, surgeries, and has made me very sick (because the hefty doses of medications often leave me in a drugged state or make me violently vomit) over the semester. This Prof has been at my side through the entire time. She’s sent me work to do at home, she hasn’t counted an absence against me, she’s gone as far as working with me on the side for hours on end to catch me up. She’s literally taken care of me when I was sick (when she wasn’t teaching), been the source of strength and encouragement to not give up, get well and still be a musician. She’s been the non judgemental ear to listen to all my fears and concerns. Basically, she’s turned into a parent figure to me. Amazing though she’s only 26 with a doctorate in music composition. The situation is a little different than the other profs because we are so close in age. The end of the semester is nearing and I need to figure out how I’m going to thank her for everything she’s done for me. I know I will not have her next year, because they are dropping her to lower level courses I have already completed.

Just some extra info: I come from a very rich family, but the distance from school to my house is big (so my parents/family members have not been around to take care of me during the illness times, but yes they do exist). I’ve tried to give my teacher random 20’s and 50’s here and there for all of her extra time, effort and just going out of her way to see me ok….She always refuses it and laughs it off….I know she’s not in a relationship, nor she she have a baby or family to go home to so I think this is where she’s getting the extra time from… I need to do something for her I just don’t have a clue what.

Suggestions please!

Do I just write a very personalized thank you letter? I’m so stumped.
for the record- I’ll be 19 in 2 days (just so you know the age gap)

It sounds to me like the two of you, considering all you’ve been through, will remain, if not close friends, in touch with each other. There will be plenty of time to show appreciation. In the meantime, how ’bout a hug and a ‘Thank You’?
Philip