I have to say that my time at Clemson University was truly unforgettable. I graduated in 2017, but even now, seven years later, I still have so many amazing memories from my time there. There were so many moments that stood out to me, both in my personal life and in my academic journey. But if I had to choose just one, it would have to be my last semester when I took a graduate level course on algorithms.

The lectures were fantastic, but what really made a lasting impact on me were my professor's office hours. His name was Brian Dean, and he was always so willing to help and guide us through the material. I was lucky enough to be part of a small group of students who would go to his office hours every week. It was such a democratic and open environment, and our discussions were always backed up by our instructor's expertise. He never just gave us the answers to our problems, but instead, he would give us hints and philosophical lessons that helped us truly understand the material.

One particular instance that stands out to me is when I was struggling to grasp the concept of amortized analysis. I just couldn't wrap my head around it, but my professor noticed and took the time to give me a real-life example that helped me contextualize it. And you know what? It stuck with me for months after that. I think other instructors could really learn from his approach, as it was not only memorable but also very practical. Overall, my experience at Clemson University was truly enriching, and I will always be grateful for the amazing professors like Brian Dean who made it so special.