100 years from now

Yesterday would have been my grandfather’s 100th birthday. As many people born 100 years ago in Mexico, just some years after the end of the Mexican Revolution, he had to work when he was still young to support his family. Later on, after he got married, he was able to put himself through school and be part of the first class of Electrical Engineering at ITESM (now the most important technological university in Mexico).

Between working full time and supporting my grandmother (who also worked) while raising their kids, he managed to go to his classes — walking for almost an hour — and to help other students who were less fortunate. My grandfather, Ismael Galan, who used to study by walking with one of his babies on one arm and the book in the other hand so he would not fall asleep, was granted a knowledge award for every year of his undergraduate program.

He worked at different industries and also became faculty at the ITESM Engineering school, two of his students, former President Santisteban from my own alma mater (UDEM), and former President Rangel Sostmann from ITESM, many years later still spoke fondly of him, and described him as someone who was not only intelligent but humble, creative, hard-working and clever.

I learned many things from my grandfather, one of them was the importance of fairness, equality and talent. The CEO of one of the most important companies in Mexico refused to send him to work for one of his clients in the U.S. because of his skin color, but the CEO had soon to choose between his pride and his bias, as no one else was as competent as my grandfather. Back in the day, even racists had some professional standards, and my grandfather worked in Chicago for some years.

So, to me, the beginning of the year is always a time for reflection, when I think where I come from and where I am headed to. My grandfather’s presence has always been part of my life. My first job was at his workshop, making coils, where I learned about his inventions. I chose my undergrad following his recommendations. I learned to love science and I also learned that a good teacher is key for our learning, and that we can achieve amazing things if we don’t give up.

When I have gone through difficult times I remember his advice, his support, his tenacity and most importantly, his compassion. When I am at my best, I remember that I am where I am because I am sitting on his shoulders. His story also helps me to keep my pride in check, as I did not win any award while studying, nor I have invented anything (yet).

Now, in 2018, with the Doomsday clock 2 minutes before reaching midnight, I can only wonder how do change the world? How do we support each other? How do we inspire ourselves and other people to do their best? How do we learn to take more pride in being respectful, ethical and problem-solvers instead of being rich or famous?

What can we achieve with the technology and knowledge we have now? How can we improve our educational system, so students can be concerned with learning and not only with passing?

How do we become more connected and compassionate? How can we use all we know so we can create what we need to save us from ourselves? How do I want to be remembered 57 years from now?

I do not have many answers, but I will be happy to contribute with my time and skills to any project that supports the creation of new knowledge, of more fair working conditions, that increases sustainability and social innovation.

Images from ITESM

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