Jonathan Castro is the Founder of La Cuadra Universitaria in Venezuela. He is one of 248 fellows participating in the Young Leaders of the Americas nitiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program, a presidential initiative that empowers entrepreneurs and innovative civil society leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean. YLAI is focused on strengthening their capacity to launch and advance their entrepreneurial ideas and effectively contribute to social and economic development in their communities.
I Have a Dream
Yes, I have a dream, just like the other YLAI fellows. We came with feelings of happiness, gratitude, and especially with high expectations, not because we think we deserve everything, but because we are willing to give whatever it takes to accomplish our goals.
This is not my first time in the United States. I came before with a scholarship to study English thanks to an NGO in 2015. I waited and I worked hard for myself, my team and my country, so that I could find a way back to the United States with this wonderful initiative. This program allows us to connect with other leaders and learn about solutions to different problems. Most importantly, YLAI makes it possible to connect with others and become better leaders, because at the end of the day, what is really important is to be useful to others.
My biggest dream is to see my country reach its full potential. I want to see education reach the most remote villages. I want to find ways to solve some problems. The dream I have is to see Venezuela shine, and I know that we can achieve it by working hard.
I want to emphasize that I am deeply grateful to have been selected as part of this program and to be in a city where a great thinker was born – someone who dared to say “I have a dream”. I also dare to dream, because it is a right of all to dream, because it is a right of everyone to be happy, because it is a right to reach the full potential that we are meant to achieve.
Here in Atlanta we have experienced two weeks full of emotion, surprises, and learning. I understand that regardless of our nationality, we are citizens of the world and therefore responsible for the future.
Thank you very much to all. I will continue working, learning, and especially dreaming.
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