#StoriesThatInspire: Special Teacher’s Day

We could agree that the example set by those around us during our childhood is fundamental for the development of our personality and aspirations. Thus, when we grow up observing our loved ones teaching others, we understand the importance and great responsibility of this beautiful profession. Some, inspired by that example, choose to follow in those footsteps, as is the case with the protagonist of the following story, who, due to family tradition and legacy, chose to dedicate his path to being a teacher—truly an inspiring story.

Teaching, in many cases, becomes a treasure passed down from generation to generation. Parents and grandparents who dedicated their lives to teaching not only share academic knowledge but also instill in their children and grandchildren a deep respect for education and learning. This legacy, which goes beyond a profession, is a vocation nurtured by family example and passion, inspiring new generations to continue the noble art of teaching and to keep positively impacting society. Such is the case with Professor William Felipe Hurtado Quintero, a faculty member at our Santander de Quilichao campus, with an extensive academic background: he is a lawyer, a Master’s in Human Rights and Culture of Peace, and a Doctor in Law, Political Science, and Criminology. Today, this talented professional is the protagonist of a new microstory in which he opens his heart and shares why he decided to dedicate himself to teaching.

Provided photo

“From a very young age, I used to accompany my grandmother, who was a teacher in rural schools, on visits to towns. I always felt a great admiration for how her former students, some of whom were quite elderly, looked at her with such reverence, remembering her as their teacher, and their eyes would light up. From a young age, I desired to be looked at by others in the same way. That’s why, from a young age, I began to dream of becoming a teacher, following my grandmother’s example,” Professor Felipe expressed with great emotion as he recalled this crucial example that undoubtedly shaped his life’s project. Isn’t that wonderful?

Inspired by the love for education instilled in him by his grandmother, through the example of growing up seeing her educate children, Professor Felipe decided to dedicate himself to this noble work. It is a profession in which he has had the fortune of experiencing gratifying moments that have significantly influenced the person he is today. “Life gave me that opportunity at the Universidad del Cauca, and that feeling, that desire I had as a child, has been realized over nearly 10 years of teaching. In each of my classes, on each of my birthdays, which my students lovingly remember, I see it materialized. Especially when I see them graduate and encounter them on the streets, in the hallways, always with a gesture of gratitude evident in their eyes, just like it was with my grandmother. I feel admired, loved, and proud of having followed this passion. Thank you, Grandma, thank you, Universidad del Cauca, for the opportunity and for the dream you have allowed me to fulfill,” expressed the professor with a gratitude so profound that it is impossible to fully capture in words but deeply moves us.

Provided photo

Thus, with this beautiful story, we conclude our special for Teacher’s Day—a brief campaign through which we have shared, from the perspective of some of our professors, the power of education. Through the anecdotes shared, those that are woven daily within our institution, we show how at Unicauca we not only transform lives and make dreams come true through academics but also touch the deepest parts of our hearts and strengthen ourselves as human beings through the bonds we build with those around us. Once again, we wish every Unicaucan professor a #HappyTeachersDay. You are part of the most valuable heritage we have.