During an academic conference in Venice, Professor Paulo Bernardo Vaz encouraged his PhD student, Renné França, to travel to Greece amidst their stay in Europe. Their adventure took an unexpected turn when they became stranded due to a European air traffic shutdown caused by a volcanic eruption in Iceland. Instead of allowing the situation to dampen their spirits, Paulo suggested they embark on a cruise to explore Greece, illustrating his penchant for creating enriching experiences for his students.

Paulo B, as he was affectionately known, was born in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, in 1949. He was the youngest of nine siblings and relocated to Belo Horizonte at the age of 13, where he began to explore the broader world. His versatile approach to teaching not only focused on academic excellence but also on providing students with memorable life experiences, be it through impromptu travel plans or engaging discussions centered on cinema. Renné recalls that Paulo's enthusiasm for life and learning made every interaction significant.

The article serves as a tribute to Paulo's legacy and dedication as an educator and mentor, emphasizing the strong bonds he forged with his students. His ability to turn challenging situations into opportunities for growth and understanding reflects a deeper philosophy of education where learning extends beyond the classroom walls. This narrative resonates as an encouragement for educators to cultivate rich, engaging experiences for their students, ensuring that learning remains vibrant and impactful.