#176: Do You Have the Freedom to Be You?

Welcome to EducationNext #176!

As I sit down to write this 176th edition of the newsletter from Nairobi, I want to start with a heartfelt thank you for being here.

We’re living in extraordinary times—times where many of us are experimenting with learning, living, and building skills in ways we never imagined.

It’s not a massive crowd yet, but it’s a growing one, and you’re part of it.

We’re all navigating a world where AI sparks both fear and fascination.

We’re scared of being replaced, yet we’re adapting, learning, and integrating AI into our daily lives to stay relevant. Isn’t this a bit like survival mode?

Teachers, parents, young people—we’re all hustling to keep up, knowing that degrees are increasingly being overshadowed by real, practical skills.

Let’s take a moment to pat ourselves on the back.

Every day, we’re trying. We’re learning. We’re evolving.

That’s no small feat.

But here’s the thing: as much as we grow alongside AI and automation, we also need to make real connections.

-Reach out to people.

-Build meaningful relationships.

-Make real efforts to create, collaborate, and inspire.

Technology is a tool, but our humanity—our ability to connect—is what will truly shape the future.

In today's workforce, 94% of young people actively seek careers that provide financial security, align with their values, and contribute to positive change. T

Pursuing jobs connecting to a greater purpose shapes the career landscape, indicating a significant transformation of mindset among young professionals.

As we delve into this trend, it becomes evident that young adults increasingly prioritize meaningful impact over traditional notions of success and stability.

I revisited an earlier edition(#130) that resonated deeply:

Do You Have the Freedom to Be You?. It included this timeless gem from Steve Jobs:

“When you grow up you tend to get told that the world is the way it is and you're job is just to live your life inside the world. Try not to bash into the walls too much.

Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money.

That's a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact:

Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you.

And you can change it, you can influence it… Once you learn that, you'll never be the same again.”

This reminds us that an open mind and a willingness to adapt don’t just help us survive—they empower us to shape the world.

By staying proactive, not just reactive, we unlock the freedom to create a life that’s truly ours. So, keep learning, keep connecting, and keep pushing forward.

You’re not just surviving—you’re building something extraordinary.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude,
Priyanka

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About Education Next Newsletter

EducationNext is a collaborative newsletter produced by thought leaders in education, worldschooling, digital nomadism, remote work, and AI.

EducationNext provides insights, updates, and thought-provoking content. The collaborators share their know-how/ do-how, experiences, and insights, making EducationNext the resource for the intersection of education, technology, and mobility - anytime, anywhere.

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