The clip was shared by Youngstown State University in Ohio, on May 20. In the day since it was posted, the emotional video has amassed over 150,000 likes and 700,000 views.
“Dr. Bosso” is a professor in kinesiology and sport science at Youngstown State University, and is retiring after 27 years at the college. Clearly, he has made an impact on his classes too, as the viral video of his final class demonstrates.
After a student asks him to stop sharing his screen, all of their cameras switch to show them holding “thank you” signs on the count of three.
“We know it’s sometimes hard over virtual so we wanted to show you how much we appreciate you and how much we’re going to miss you,” said a student.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate you more than as a professor, but as a friend and as someone to look up to, and for being one of the best things about this major,” she added.
Dr. Bosso, seemingly overwhelmed by the gesture, begins crying while thanking his class.
In a statement provided to Newsweek, Theresa Wasylychyn, who organized the gesture, said: “Despite the odds with the virtual format, Dr. Bosso has personally impacted my life more than words can describe not only as my professor, advisor, and colleague, but as my friend and as someone I look forward to knowing for a long time to come.”
She added, “I think I can speak for everyone when I say Dr. Bosso made every virtual class feel like we were all back in the classroom, which was a solace in the world of virtual learning. He began each and every class cheery and eager to teach while also determined to facilitate student interaction even through virtual formats to keep us all connected to one another.
“Not only just this semester but in all those before, with his extensive knowledge and passion for the material paired with his genuine compassion for his students, Dr. Bosso has contributed greatly to the development of the esteemed exercise science professionals that come out of our program.”
The video has sparked a wholesome response on the app from those who have dubbed the video “sweet” and “beautiful.”
“As a teacher, you have no idea how much this means. It’s the little things,” wrote one TikTok viewer in the comments.
“Should not have watched this without waterproof mascara,” noted another viewer.
Some commenters noticed that one student’s camera was turned off for the duration of the clip, but a comment left by a student clarified the situation: “Grace was having network issues, be nice to her,” they wrote.
With the academic year coming to an end for many schools and colleges, social media users can expect to see a wave of these style videos, just like last year. Thanks to the pandemic, using “thank you” signs during virtual lessons became an online trend last year as a way of showing appreciation to teachers, and making an emotional video was an added benefit. Though admittedly not all reactions were quite as good as Dr. Bosso’s.
“My class tried to do this for our professor on the last day, and she cancelled class,” wrote one TikToker who had a different experience.
Newsweek has contacted Youngstown State University for a comment.
