Once upon a classroom, amidst the learning haze,
I embarked on a journey, through academic maze.
A professor stood tall, with a stern and icy stare,
Her words were like thorns, piercing the air.
Her expectations were high, her standards severe,
She pushed us to excel, overcome every fear.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into years,
Through sleepless nights, I battled doubts and tears.

The day of the final exam, tension filled the room,
Heart pounding, palms sweaty, as I faced impending doom.
She scrutinized my every word, dissecting my every thought,
Her gaze unyielding, as my answers were sought.
Yet, as I persevered, standing strong and tall,
The atmosphere shifted, the professor's façade would fall.
For in her eyes, I saw a shimmer of pride,
A glimmer of warmth, she could no longer hide.

The journey we both embarked upon,
In that single moment, a bond was spun.
For within that tear, I sensed something rare,
A glimpse of pride, a hint of care.
Did I cause this, with my efforts sincere?
Did my answers touch something deep and clear?
A mix of emotions, both awe and surprise,
Seeing the human beneath that stern guise.

A harsh professor, known for her stern ways,
Her critiques, like daggers, cutting through haze,
Years of demanding expectations and critiques,
Yet, in the end, a glimpse of tenderness peaks.
The professor's tears, a testament profound,
To the growth I've achieved, to the knowledge I've found.

To my harsh and severe professor, now in tears,
Thank you for pushing me beyond my fears.
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