Ariel spent a really long time (as in a couple decades) out of school before returning to the classroom as a student in her late forties. Like Michelle, Ariel is an MA newlygrad in Applied Linguistics and has always had a complicated relationship with school. As the daughter of an immigrant who had not gone far in school due to the disruption of war, Ariel was told from a young age that schooling and education was the most important thing in the world. With the privileges of access to education in the United States, also came the disillusionment apparent in the hypocrisy that educational systems and institutions perpetuate, and for years Ariel argued against traditional education, advocating instead for alternatives such as those put forth by the Unschooling Movement.

An admirer of John Holt and John Taylor Gatto and their unwavering care of children’s learning they put first when advocating for educational reform in the United States, Ariel continues to hold such ideals alongside the practical (read: necessary for most) road that exists by way of traditional educational systems.

How can we create pathways for all voices to be heard in the collection and dissemination of knowledge? How can we redefine what types of knowledge are included? A lifelong admirer of documentary film, writing, and photography and an active participant in immigrant and non-English speaking spaces, Ariel sees firsthand how digital literacy is our current and future biggest issue for equitable and safe paths forward.

Ariel works as a communication consultant when she is not writing unpaid fiction and nonfiction, working as a co-collaborator on various app ling projects, and working on this podcast.

Learn more about what Ariel is working on here.