By Elisa De Esteban
Karyn Suárez, former Marketing Manager now teaching at CIS University, earned the Teaching Award last academic year for her dedication as a teacher and her inspiration to students.
Last year, Karyn Suarez joined CIS University, bringing a lot of real-world experience and a love for teaching to our campus. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, in the United States, she previously worked as a marketing manager before realizing that teaching was her passion. In just one year, with her dedication and commitment to her students, she earned the CIS University Teaching Award 2024. In this interview, Karyn discusses her path as a teacher, the significance of this award, and her motivation that continues to inspire her every day.
Can you tell us more about what winning the university teaching award meant for you?
It was a great honor. I felt so excited and actually shocked to know that I was selected. When I heard the news, I was almost in tears. This was a big honor. One that not all teachers get and perhaps may never get, even in their lifetime of teaching, and I was given this award. It is a high honor.
How does it feel to be recognized for your work?
I feel that it is all worth the effort. I really do place a lot of care in what I do. The students mean a lot to me, and I think I connect well with them. I work hard at creating content and class activities that I feel will resonate with the students and benefit them most in the future. So, it feels wonderful to be able to have achieved that in the student’s eyes and in the classroom.
How has receiving this award impacted you personally and professionally?
Both personally and professionally, I feel proud of myself and feel as though I have finally achieved one of my goals. As well as the feeling that I was meant to teach and that my talents have been used in the right ways.
What inspired you to become a teacher, and what motivates you to keep teaching every day?
I was inspired later on in life. I never even thought about being a teacher until when I was working as a marketing manager at MTV Latino in Miami. A friend mentioned there was a university that had a program for older students returning back to the university to get their degree and they were looking for a marketing professor who had experience in the marketing field. They were evening classes, and I thought, “Well why not? I will give it a try. I love a new challenge!” When I finished my first class, I was so inspired and so energized, that I thought at that moment that this was where I had to be, and I have never looked back since.
What role do your students play in your success as a teacher?
They play every role. They are my inspiration and they are my source of creativity. Just as I teach them, I also learn from them every day. I love each and every one of them. I love to connect with them and help to motivate them to better themselves and enjoy learning.
What is one moment in your career that stood out and was meaningful or rewarding for you?
I get these moments often. These are the moments when a student comes up to me after the class has ended or maybe reaches out to me months or years later and tells me that I have made an impact on their lives in some way. Whether I have motivated them to take action to do something, or that I have empowered them to reach their goals. This is the moment, and I have had many. So, I know that it has all been worth it! This is the “illumination” moment.
Has there been a mentor or someone in your life who influenced your teaching?
Yes, Mrs. O’Brien, my high school teacher who taught Shakespeare and literature. She was amazing and her infectious energy and enthusiasm made me become a fan of Shakespeare and his works. She had an eccentric style of teaching and to this day I run my classes with that same passion.
What advice would you give to new teachers starting in your profession?
Make learning fun! The best way to have students interested in your courses is if you have fun teaching them and make your classrooms enjoyable. I would love to ask some teachers to think if they were students, would they want to listen to their lecture? This is a good way to change the perspective and try to liven up the lectures and make them fun.
What is next for you in your teaching career? Do you have any new goals or projects coming up?
Yes, I am always continuing to create new activities in my classes to keep them updated and fresh. The times change and as teachers, we need to “refresh” our work and implement activities that match with the present trends. I am working as an executive coach and continuing to teach outside of the classroom and in business offices and companies. My learning is continuous as it should be for all of us. Keep growing and keep moving forward.