In this interview, both shared their thoughts on teaching, the challenges they have overcome, and their relationships with their students.
The surprise of recognition
For Juan Pablo Carbonell, the award was a source of immense joy and a validation of his teaching career. “It’s a pleasure to know that the university trusts me and recognizes my work,” he said. For his part, Mauricio Améndola admitted that he hadn’t expected the award. “I thought my chances were slim, but when I heard the students’ messages, it was an immense honor,” he remarked.
The values that guide his teaching
A passion for teaching is what drives Juan Pablo.“I enjoy being in the classroom, fostering dialogue, and encouraging active participation,”he said. In his classes, respect and curiosity are fundamental pillars.
For Mauricio, the key is dedication and hard work.“I instill in my students the importance of giving their best. I don’t like half-hearted efforts,” he said.
The positive impact on students
“It’s essential that students feel valued and taken seriously,”Juan Pablo emphasized. Knowing their names, greeting them in the hallways, and acknowledging their individual achievements are small gestures that make a big difference.
For Mauricio, the key lies in understanding the motivations and realities of each group.“Every semester is different and requires connecting with them from the very beginning,”he explained.
Challenges that turn into lessons
Both teachers agree that the pandemic was one of the biggest challenges. For Juan Pablo, the transition from in-person to online learning was difficult. “Not being able to see my students’ faces was frustrating,” he admitted. To overcome this, he created direct communication groups with his students, sharing materials, photos, and videos.
For his part, Mauricio faced his first semester as a teacher in the midst of the pandemic. “I had to teach using materials that weren’t mine, in a context of great uncertainty,” he recalled.
The rewards of being a teacher
“Feeling like I’m in the right place and looking forward to going to work every day is priceless,”Juan Pablo said. For him, the university’s human touch is a constant source of satisfaction.
Mauricio noted that the most rewarding aspect is contributing to students’ development, both professionally and personally. “We don’t just train future professionals; we also support their personal growth,” he emphasized.
Students as a source of learning
Interacting with his students transformed the way Juan Pablo saw the world. “I learned to understand that everyone has their own story, their own struggles, and their own motivations,” he reflected. He also learned to accept that not everyone will like him, but that staying true to himself will always be appreciated.
Mauricio, for his part, emphasizes the continuous learning process of his students. “Every semester, I learn how to better reach them. Some need practical demonstrations, while others prefer a more hands-on approach,” he said, highlighting the importance of flexibility in teaching.
Inspiring mentors
Both Juan Pablo and Mauricio have role models who have had a significant impact on their teaching careers.
Juan Pablo fondly remembers his high school math and literature teachers, as well as the college professors who became role models for him.“I want to be the kind of teacher who inspires new generations, just as they did for me,” he said gratefully. He also singled out Nora Szasz and Álvaro Tasistro as his current mentors. “Both encourage me to stay focused on my studies, research, curiosity, and philosophy. I don’t just want to be a teacher like them, but also a person of integrity and generosity like them,” he said.
Mauricio cited Christian Huelmo, his high school teacher, as his main mentor. “Thanks to him, I took my first steps in Linux, and he inspired me to keep learning,” he said.