Alina is the type of teacher who strolls through the corridors of Las Tunas University and interacts with the students. Her youthful nature enables her to connect with them, comprehend their thought process, and grasp the motives behind their actions.
Her path as a teacher began when she graduated with a degree in Art History from Oriente University, 12 years ago. That was not her first dream; she never saw herself in a classroom teaching. But this new home opened its doors and welcomed her as a daughter.
"Since I graduated, I started working directly in the Department of Spanish Literature as a literature teacher. I teach Art History and Art Appreciation for the Bachelor's Degree in Artistic Education."
"Here, I saw the best way to grow as a professional. In pre-professional practices, I fell in love with the profession in such a way that it has become my life. When I say that I fell in love, it is because I feel the need to be here every day, and it is because these corridors and classrooms give me great personal satisfaction.
"Teaching means a lot to me. Through it, I have discovered the love I feel for other people, finding in my students a part of my family. Seeing them grow and become good people, who use the tools I teach them in their personal lives and future careers.
Is there no way to see yourself anywhere else?
"Impossible, I also like to sing, but I like to sing here for my colleagues, the people I live with, but what I am most passionate about in the world is teaching, the students."
"They like the way I teach them because it is with a simple, plain, technical language because they have to master this language, but in a way that they understand and feel the closeness, the youth, and the joviality."
This proximity to the students and how she shows herself to them were among the reasons why Alina Guerra Valdivia has been recognized as the most comprehensive teacher at the University of Las Tunas.
"It is an award that gives me immense satisfaction, it is an honor because there are many people in the university who are consecrated and the fact that it is me makes me feel grateful. I try to follow good examples and become that person who tries to reach out to others in a more holistic way."
"The dedication in this path is paramount, we must also know how to balance everything with our personal projects, university extension, and research to grow as professionals in this great institution."
Her colleagues and students undoubtedly love the professor, and it was no coincidence that the theatre of the university resounded when her name was mentioned and she received such important recognition
