With a day full of emotions, memories, and reflections on the art of teaching, on May 15 we celebrated Teacher’s Day at the University of Cauca. Although a heavy rainstorm forced us to change the location of the event, wisdom and affection flowed without pause during "Open Mic: Dialogues on Social Interaction," a space where professors shared their stories, songs, and lessons learned inside and outside the classroom.

It was pouring rain in our city, and as expected, the library plaza named in honor of the great teacher and librarian José María Serrano became flooded. It was there, in this special agora-like setting, where we had planned to hold our Teacher’s Day celebration. However, as the rain intensified, we had to make last-minute decisions. The Division of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement with the Environment (DAE), who had organized the event, was faced with uncertainty. “What do we do now?” they asked. “Do we postpone the event or wait for the rain to stop?” But the weather was relentless, and Popayán remained under a downpour.

Still, just like any teacher who must often find solutions to complex challenges, we found one too. After all, this celebration of educators could not be outdone by a bit of bad weather. We decided to move the event inside the library while the guests arrived with their soaked umbrellas.

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Despite the unexpected change, the event went ahead just as planned in a different setting, but with the same feelings of appreciation and affection that had inspired it. "Open Mic: Dialogues on Social Interaction," as this gathering was called, began with a new arrangement of our university anthem that incorporates the sounds of the diverse and rich musical traditions of the Cauca region.

Next, the Rector of the University of Cauca, Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, sent his greetings to fellow professors via a short video, as he was away on university business. His message was followed by remarks from the Vice Rector for Research, Dr. Francisco Pino, who emphasized the importance and dedication of the university’s teaching staff.

Then came the highlight of the event. Fifteen professors had been invited to share with the audience their personal journeys as teachers. How has their daily practice allowed them to transform the lives of their students, and at the same time, how have they been transformed through the ongoing process of becoming educators? Each speaker had just six minutes to share their experiences, inspiring stories, or meaningful moments from inside and outside the classroom, in constant interaction with communities. They all embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

Since this was no ordinary gathering, we were lucky to witness an almost intimate moment as part of the event. Each professor shared a song they feel connected to, and to be honest, their musical tastes truly surprised us so varied and unique. Tears and applause filled the room as professors fondly remembered their own teachers. Román Ospina recalled what he valued most: “How, as professionals, we must earn the respect of others, and that respect is earned by managing our knowledge with humility.”

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The message was clear. This was a celebration to honor those who, with passion and dedication, take on the noble mission of educating future generations. Their work remains alive in the memories they create, and in their day-to-day commitment to shaping their students, always thinking about how they want to be remembered and what legacy they want to leave for the future. As Professor Mónica Risueño Solarte put it, she sees her students "adapting to the changes they must face, moving forward with hope, with different interests that are just as valid and genuine." Beautiful words.

Then, in the blink of an eye and quite unexpectedly — almost like a perfect metaphor for the fleeting nature of university life — the rain stopped and the sun came out in the capital of Cauca. Yet the rain of wisdom that has been nurtured in the classroom and in every space where our professors have built their knowledge does not stop. It continues to fall, like a steady irrigation of fertile soil. At Unicauca, teachers are partners who guide the new generations of Unicaucanos through their journey to become professionals and citizens committed to serving their communities and families. We are proud and deeply grateful that you are all #ProudlyUnicaucano.

 

Written by: Communications Management Center