At the Gender, Solidarity, and Inclusion in Youth Studies Symposium in Turku, I shared insights from my PhD on rural youth aspirations. The conversations reminded me that imagining the future is both an act of hope and a challenge for young rural people navigating uncertain worlds.

Now What? A Reflection on Finishing My PhD

Over the past decade, I’ve worked in rural and remote communities across several countries, where development challenges are intertwined with histories of conflict, resilience, and deep-rooted local knowledge. This entry is a personal reflection on what it means to be an outsider in these contexts. It’s also an invitation to others in the field to talk more openly about vulnerability, the ethics of engagement, and the power of truly listening.

In my latest post, I introduce Alejo, a young man from a remote village who dreamt of becoming an electrical engineer. Despite his academic excellence, financial and systemic barriers nearly forced him to abandon his education. His story is one of determination, but also a reflection of the harsh realities many rural youth face. With the support of a small community, he is now forging a new path.

Join me in uncovering these untold narratives—stories of struggle, perseverance, and the hope that fuels dreams against all odds.

Photography by: Monsalve (2023)

This is the very first entry of my blog, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally share it with you! In this post, I’ll dive into why it took me two years to start writing and offer a glimpse into something close to my heart: the importance of context and systems when discussing rural youth and building meaningful life paths within the agri-food systems.

Stay tuned as I unpack my journey and explore how these interconnected ideas shape the stories we live and the futures we envision.