On September 25, 2024, Ruben S. Ayala High School held a ceremony celebrating the 2024 UN Junior Ambassadors for Sustainable Development and SE4All certifications. This significant event recognized the achievements of a group of dedicated students who participated in the 2024 summer program, which included various training and international experiences.

We were honored to have Principal Diana Yarboi join the ceremony to present the certificates. The Junior Ambassadors shared their transformative journeys throughout the program, reflecting on their experiences and personal growth.

Ryan C. reflected on the time spent at the UN headquarters in New York, expressing amazement at the experience. The opportunity to witness a live UN session and speak with former UN economist Dr. Donald Lee, learning about his work for the United Nations, left a lasting impression on him.

Conner K. shared how eye-opening it was to see the  contrast between city life and rural living during his travels. He noted how differently people live around the world, emphasizing that life is much more diverse and complex than what he had known in the United States.

For Songbuer Y., who grew up in a large city in China, described the eye-opening experience of visiting villages where people hand-harvest their food and rely on the success of their crops for survival. This deepened his understanding of how varied lifestyles can be, even within his own culture.

Noah M. spoke about how the two weeks were filled with fascinating insights and a wealth of information to absorb. He emphasized the hard work the group put into their research projects and how rewarding it felt to see the results of their efforts.

Brady S. reflected on how visiting China felt like discovering a hidden gem. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to experience a way of life that is so different from his own, something he would never have encountered on his own.

Dr. Elissa Kido concluded the event by sharing insights with the Junior Ambassadors on the importance of worldview. She emphasized how different perspectives can influence a person’s decision-making, inspiring the students to continue embracing diversity in their future endeavors.