Written by Melissa Leighty, Education Content Strategist at Learnlife
Sofia joined Learnlife in 2019 after attending one of the first Showcase events with her family. Over the years, she discovered a deep passion for art and, more importantly, built the confidence and autonomy to pursue it.
In this video, Sofia reflects on the relationships, experiences and personal growth that helped shape her path as she prepares for a gap year and future studies in Art History at the University of Barcelona.
Her story beautifully illustrates how learner-centred education can empower young people to find their voice and chart a future that is meaningful to them.
Transcript
I started at Learnlife in September 2019, and I started at Learnlife because we came to a showcase, one of the first showcases that they did, and my family and I really liked it.
So, next year I am going to do a gap year and then I'm going to apply to Universidad de Barcelona to do an Art History course. I've always liked art, I've always thought--I mean, it runs in the family for me. And Learnlife gave me a space to learn what that is for me. And learning about art and the art world makes me very excited.
And Learnlife has always made it clear. My mentors have always made it clear. My family has also made it clear that it doesn't really matter what I end up doing with my life. It matters if I like it and enjoy it and it is who I am. And for me, art is that for me.
When I leave Learnlife, I think one of the things I'm gonna remember most, and it's gonna impact my life most is the relationship you have with learning guides because it doesn't happen in any other school. And I think it builds a relationship that it encourages you to take action for what you want and what you need.
You know, I went and did a class in UB about art history and I don't know, I took initiative and that's the thing that has-- the relationships I have with learning guides and the dynamics has pushed me. You learn so much about relationships and care and love and emotional intelligence, apart from everything else, but that really shows when you're 17 years old and trying to, you know, I don't know, make friends or other types of relationships outside of Learnlife.
Autonomy has been one of the things that I've learned most, and I'm most proud of because, you know, even though you always need help, you always need companionship and you always want that. Also, knowing how to stand up for yourself knowing how to do the things you need to do on your own is really good skill for the future.
I'm really excited for my gap year. I want to travel, I want to also do some art courses and stuff like that so, yeah, I'm excited for how things shaped up even though the journey to knowing what I wanted to do was a bit painful and stressful because it always is. But I think the way that I've been supported and helped is really comforting and has brought me to where I am now, that I feel very secure to go out into next year.
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