Twelve years ago it would be difficult to imagine the state of abandonment in which my beloved country Venezuela finds itself. A nation that was characterized by having citizens with great hospitality and where their generosity abounded in every corner. Unfortunately that changed with the appearance of the Bolivarian government, which cornered the majority of its inhabitants into poverty, to keep them subdued through hunger, fear, repression and misery. 21 years ago in 1999 when I was just  9 year old I could not glimpse the level of devastation and dismay that 21st Century Socialism would bring. I would be branded like a berk if I could travel back in time and reprimand my comrades about his decision to vote for the most infamous being in Venezuelan history. Many times we would like to go back in time and correct these disastrous mistakes, but inexorably human beings learn by trial and error.

With the arrival of the first decade of the 21st century, it was unfeasible to think that the government would mostly destroy the great industrial machinery that was formed in the 20th century and where a large part of the population was proud to feel deserving of living in a country where the living conditions were enviable for first world citizens. Many look that as an unknown dimension, that Venezuela where it was easy to visit friends of the soul and have a friendly conversation until dawn. With merriment, entertaining and caring for us as brothers in this prodigious land that our beloved God gave us to take care of and respect. Where to dream of finishing a university degree was admirable, buying a house and creating a home were completely achievable and feasible.

But today that is completely impossible. Today we young people feel in a dystopian dream where citizens look like zombies, with our dreams and longings forgotten. Where our friends are scattered, like when a storm hits a boat that seemed unbreakable and destroys it without the right to complain us. And where the crew clings with frantic movements to the wreckage of the boat so as not to be swallowed by the rushing waters. Where we young people see how rogues and rascals who promised the land of bonanza and prosperity live as tycoons and shouting any kind of nonsense, as if they did not have to be accountable to anyone. Making himself law as if God were painted on a dirty mural.

Universities  were the pride of Venezuelans and they are today in decline. I am a student at the University of Carabobo and I am a witness of how the university has collapsed at all levels. Classrooms where once high-level teachers taught are now gathering dust and filth. Where  the state of abandonment and disinvestment in which they find themselves is unacceptable, thanks to the mission of this false executive to end  everything that generates creative and productive thinking. Before it was easy to get to the university and study until late in the afternoon. In addition, if you did not have lunch for a matter of time or resources, you could go to the dining room to receive quality food. But today it is unthinkable to access these benefits. Where being a university professor was a pride and honor that many respected. Since being an individual who enlightens himself to give the best and helps to bring out the best in his students and friends is someone invaluable and worthy of the highest standards of admiration.

I do not lose hope that this country will get out of this impasse in which we find ourselves, because education and work must go hand in hand to generate a country full of progress and development. And I hope that Venezuelan society can return to this promised land, which is punished by outlaws of the worst breed. It is unfortunate to see leaders on social networks discussing the ineptitude of university authorities and also students for being passive voices. But today it is difficult to claim for something in this country, because it is easy to be intimidated and disappeared in  few  minutes for  thinking differently from any body or institute. So sometimes being passive and furtive in our behavior is a way of survival. But we must not get used to being gagged forever, but of being light and agents of change in this shaken world.