When education significantly changed during the pandemic, I noticed students, the protagonists of the crisis, were not asked about how they were experiencing online learning. This helped me realize many people did not consider youth as the main characters of their education.
As an education activist, I aim to ensure everyone can access education, no matter their birthplace or their family’s socioeconomic level. I also believe students should not be the recipients of education, but the protagonists in shaping education systems. I dream of spreading the understanding that youth is important in changing education, and to create a movement. What does the name “Greta Thunberg” remind you of? Probably movements to stop climate change, and more importantly, movements led by youth. I dream of creating a youth-led education movement.
Being able to study has been important to my family and I because it leads to a better life. Growing up able to attend a private middle school and going on to university while knowing my parents did not have as many opportunities as children sparked a sense of responsibility in me. Going to university was not easy because I had to work at the same time to help pay for my studies while always keeping education as my priority. My family always encouraged me to pursue my education. I remember my grandmother would support me by making me food while I did my homework, as I was in high school. Now, I can say that graduating university is one of my biggest accomplishments.
To those wondering what they can do in this world, start by honoring your story. Experiences that shape you connect to your passion and your “why.” For me, growing up with my family who had limited access to education made me passionate about turning education into a right instead of a privilege, leading me to who I am today: An education activist, former representative in the UNESCO SDG4Youth and Student Network, and Founder and Director of One Generation, a youth-led organization aiming to transform education. I work on making information about education accessible, regionally and internationally leading projects for youth to turn quality education into a reality (SDGs Goal #4), and ensuring youth participation when shaping education is institutionalized in Argentina. My biggest hope is creating an education movement from the grassroots. An education movement is needed because our future is what is at stake.
