Karen Meza Fernández // she/her
OEL Master’s in Education ‘24
Villa el Salvador, Peru
I am a first-generation professional. My parents have been an inspiration to me as they were the founders of Villa el Salvador, a town in Lima built by low-income domestic migrators from all over Peru. I grew up in an ecosystem where collaboration, resilience and a profound sense of community were the daily bread. I identified that education is crucial for change and became an educator at the age of 20. Before entering the OEL Master’s program, I had been working for the Ministry of Education leading the implementation of high-quality education programs for public schools. I was at the forefront when the pandemic hit, directing the creation of digital and audio visual material for teachers and students as well as fostering communities of practice among Peruvian teachers that impacted the continuity of education in Peru.
When I entered the program, I expected to gain knowledge that would allow me to better understand and transform the education processes and it was fully met. However, the program mainly made me realize that the transformation had to come from within me. Reflection was a key component all along the program which helped me comprehend myself and be aware of the type of leader I was and wanted to be. “Learning is in the reflection”, Dr. Scott used to say. I can see now that thanks to the program, I have become a reflective practitioner and leader who intentionally stops to question her leadership.
I needed to organize myself, my work, and my family in much more detail than I had planned. I mostly attended classes at home, but some other times I was at work, a café, in the car, or on the train. English not being my first language, it was crucial that I read at least all the required material before class for which I allotted time at weekends and while I was commuting to work on weekdays. Also, I had a physical board at home where I pinned the tasks and homework we were assigned, which helped me meet deadlines.
My classmates were a source of learning, motivation, and inspiration to me. We all had been in leadership positions at classroom, school, and system levels and so the varied lived experiences we shared in connection with the classes brought up insightful discussions. The fact that we were all on different corners of the world did not stop us from building a community; on the contrary, the diversity is rich and valued. The depth of connection I could make with some of my classmates and teachers enabled me to seek the same in my leadership.
The faculty is simply amazing. Not only were the professors knowledgeable and experienced in the field of education, but their quality as humans stood out and trespassed the screens. I was transitioning jobs in the middle of the program and I received advice from them at personal and professional levels that helped me significantly. They truly listen to you during the classes and they are there when you need them. When I met them in person, their candour and actual interest in us, their students, could be felt from miles away. Although the program is finished, I know I can reach them out, and of course I have.
The OEL program is designed for those who believe that change is possible, gives you the tools you did not know you already have, and helps you discover new ones while building a community that will always be there for you.
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