A Brighter, Peaceful Future for Mexican Student Journalists

By Brady Collins, Student Journalist from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign


As a student in a large state school in the United States, I am accustomed to hearing ambivalent plans for the future in response to the question, “What do you plan to do with your major? This isn’t to suggest that many American students are studying fields that are somehow unimportant or irrelevant, for many have rigorous academic ventures with intense course loads. However, regardless of what letter markings they receive on their finals, many seem to be tediously grudging through pages of notes with no foresight, their farthest reaching goal being the end of their notebook.

I have noticed this even more in Mexico City, as I am given the opportunity to work (and play) with many local students and young volunteers for the UN Conference. I am constantly astounded by their pointed interests and unequivocal aspirations. In addition, it has been very hard to find young students here that do not have a plan of study related to international affairs. Given that we are all participating in an international Conference, and the fact that I myself am always passionate about global issues, my amazement is probably exaggerated. Nevertheless, the Mexican students here illustrate how young people respond to their environment, and how they can use their collective knowledge to change their world for the better.

Mexico City is in many ways a capital of the 21st century. The obstacles it faces are a direct result of globalization, which has transformed a city with ancient history into a rapidly growing and modernizing metropolis. Organized crime is a huge problem, as is infrastructure development, poverty, and political stability. Still, Mexico City is not the same place it was ten years ago. The global media has no hesitations repeatedly portraying the city as a drug ridden battleground, and their news coverage continues to feed this image. But talk to any young person here, and you will hear a different side of the story. While they acknowledge some insecurity and political problems, they emphasize the pleasantries the city can offer, from its rich history to its vibrant, contemporary ‘barrios.’ Regardless of the issues they have faced in the past, their passion for home is ever-present. Indeed, for a city with so many inherent and complicated predicaments the best possible solution is a thriving, loyal citizenry.

It appears to me, that growing up in a setting where there is constantly a social dilemma that needs a solution, the Mexican youth has become socialized into a role as problem solvers. They exist in their academic world, completing their homework and studying for tests as any University students do, and yet they have a sense of place, a sense that their persistence will not only get them an A, but benefit their country. They understand the global issues of the world today and how they touch their lives, for they have grown up with invaluable first hand experience and an understanding of where their efforts can be harnessed for the greater good. What lies down the path for this city is uncertain, yet the UN Conference on Peace and Disarmament has given it a chance to display to the world the progress it has made and the role it wants to play in the future of international affairs. To me, one of the city’s strongest exhibits is their student body, their future leaders, who have the capacity to facilitate change both at home and abroad.