For many students at The Columbus School, Mr. David Murphy is more than just a history teacher, he is a great contributor to this school and a mentor for many people. But the thing is that being a teacher was not always his plan. “I actually studied accounting for my first two years in college. I thought I was going to be an accountant, sitting behind a desk, crunching numbers,” Murphy said.

When he was in his second year he figured out that accounting would not make him happy in life. Everything changed when he met Mr. Pulgarin and had the opportunity to volunteer as a teacher. That experience made him realize that working with students was far more exciting than any job where he would have to sit behind a desk all day. 

“Then I had my first volunteer experience as a teacher, and I realized that being in a classroom was way more fun. It didn’t matter if I made less money, I knew I’d be happier working as a teacher,” Murphy explained.

Now that he is a teacher, his students notice the passion he has for teaching and educating his students. For example, Juanita Sanchez, a 10th grader at TCS, remembers what she first thought of Mr. Murphy. 

“He seemed like a really cool teacher, really nice, and I thought from the start that this was going to be a good class,” Sanchez said.

One of Murphy’s favorite things about teaching is the ability to do more than just marina the students memorize and do tests. In his Global Citizenship and Sustainability class, students don’t just learn history, they work on projects that create a change in the world even if it’s just a tiny change. 

“I enjoy working with youth, the interactions, and the freedom we have. Especially in Global Citizenship and Sustainability, to make an impact on the community around us and create a sense of social awareness within our students,” Murphy said.

This method has made students think the same and also changed the way students think about learning like what Sanchez said. 

“I think history is important, but I’ve also learned skills to help people and make a difference,” Sanchez said.

The Columbus School is not his first school, Murphy has taught in many bilingual schools throughout Latin America, like in Honduras and Valledupar, but he says that The Columbus School has something special that no other schools have. 

“I’ve been teaching at The Columbus School for five years now, and I have no plans to leave. I feel supported by the administration, the benefits here are great compared to other schools, and I love my coworkers, my students, and the classes I teach. I wouldn’t trade it for another school,” Murphy said.

His students appreciate his balance between the way he teaches and the flexibility he has, something that makes his classroom more fun and engaging.

“He’s a relaxed teacher, but sometimes he’s strict, and I really like that,” Sanchez said.

For Murphy, the decision to become a teacher wasn’t just about choosing a job, it was about choosing a way of life that he would enjoy every time he could and a job that always keeps him growing.

“The most important thing I’ve learned from teaching is that we are lifelong learners. No matter how much you think you know, you can always improve, and grow,” Murphy stated.

And if you ask his students, many would be happy to have him as a teacher again because they like him as a human being and they like his methods of teaching.

“I really hope so, I would like to have him again during my 3 years left at this school,” Sanchez said. “I really like him as a person and as a teacher.”

From almost becoming an accountant to inspiring students every day of his life, Murphy’s story proves that passion can lead to the correct career—no matter if one makes more money than another or where you start.