I was “adopted” by La Plata city in the 1970s, when I entered the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) to study English. In those days, there were hundreds of students from other provinces. La Plata was a melting pot. Many of those youngsters went back home after graduating, others stayed hereabouts. There’s always been a traditional local ritual the day someone has taken (and passed) his or her last final exam. The brand new professional is taken for a ride in an open car trunk, followed by other honking drivers (friends and relatives), who join in the noisy celebration. These December days, I witness the joyful city tours and can’t help wondering about the near future of these newly graduates. Will they be forced to leave the country in search for jobs? I mean, we’ve been “exporting” talents for so long! For many, Ezeiza Airport has always seemed to be the only way out. A real shame. Charity should begin at home, not abroad. We can’t afford to lose so much grey matter, can we? I do hope those who run the country bear this in mind
Buenos Aires Times, Dec 14, 2024