My name is Junne Ahnn, and I live in Quito, Ecuador. Throughout my life, education has always been one of the things I value the most—not only as a way to grow personally, but also as a way to serve others and contribute positively to my community.

I studied gastronomy and later completed a master’s degree in business. Today, I run a small independent project offering walking tours and cooking classes, where I share Ecuadorian culture, history, and food with visitors from around the world. Teaching and connecting with people through knowledge has always been one of the greatest joys in my life.

Beyond my work, I have always tried to stay involved in social and educational initiatives. I earned a certification in Ecuadorian Sign Language to better communicate and be more inclusive, and I’m also part of a group that promotes “new masculinities” in my city—work that even brought attention from international media. For me, education and social awareness go hand in hand.

However, the past few years have been very difficult. A few years ago, my beloved cat was diagnosed with a severe food intolerance, which required specialized care and expensive treatments. Then in 2024, Ecuador faced a severe drought that caused nationwide power outages lasting 18 to 20 hours a day for months. Because my work depends on being able to host visitors and run experiences, these conditions made it nearly impossible for me to work for much of the year. At the same time, the job market became extremely saturated.

Despite these challenges, I haven’t given up on my dream of continuing to learn and contribute. Today, I want to start a new master’s degree in education. I believe this path will allow me to expand my opportunities for employment while continuing to do what I love most: teaching, sharing knowledge, and supporting others through learning.

I’m not asking for everything—just a small push to help me begin this next step. Your support will help me cover the initial costs of starting this program and give me the chance to rebuild stability in my life while continuing to care for my cat, who has been my companion through everything.

If you’re able to contribute, no matter the amount, it would mean the world to me. And if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign would also help immensely.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of this journey. Your kindness could help open the next chapter of my life.