Entry #8: A Teacher - An Inspiration

Dr. Carlos Nunez-Noriega is a faculty professor in the Technology and Consumer Sciences department at Glendale Community College, Arizona. I have had him as a professor for two semesters now. He teaches electrical engineering. However, this blog is not about his teaching skills or my opinion of him as the finest teacher in the department. This is the story of a man’s fight against cancer and living with honor while inspiring others.

When I first started decided to take an engineering class, it was challenging. I almost thought of dropping the class.  Dr. Nunez did not make life any easier for me. He just pushed me harder. He did not make the tests less challenging or give out easy extra credits to make sure we pass.  Instead, he gave us opportunities to work harder and smarter. He always seemed to reach out to students even if it was not regarding his class. He is a very intelligent man and is always willing to help his students. Recently, I found out that he was suffering from colon cancer and his cancer has spread into its fourth stage. He was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. The doctors gave him three to six months to live; however, Dr. Nunez was a fighter. He decided not to spend his final days laying in the bed and feeling sorry for himself.

He decided to give back to the society. Dr. Nunez had to struggle through his education as a young student. He had seen several of his students go through the same financial hardships. He decided to raise money for students and start a scholarship fund. In 2005, he completed the Tempe Iron Man Triathlon which helped to raise $21,000 for scholarships. In the March 2014 spring break, he hiked Pico de Orizaba which is Mexico's highest mountain to help raise money for scholarships. You can help support him and his cause by donating money. This money can be used to help students continue their education, buy books, or purchase bus passes. 

Dr. Nunez still teaches at GCC. Even though he is in constant pain due to the spreading cancer in his body, he is committed to helping his students. Even though the doctors do not believe he has a lot of time, he is making sure that every moment counts. He a great teacher and he is an amazing human being. I am glad to have known him in my lifetime. He does not only teach the subject material but brings the best out of his students. I hope and pray that he has a long life and he keeps inspiring others like he has inspired me.