Born and raised in a humble Catholic family in Mexico, Alex always knew his ambitions stretched beyond his hometown. He eventually made the bold move to Europe, building a life rooted in movement, music, and human connection, and today teaches at Animo Studios while developing his own work in the mental health space.

But this conversation goes beyond one person's story. We talk about the tension between progress and persistent stigma, the pressure of cultural and religious expectations, and what it really means to belong, not just to be tolerated, but to be fully seen.

From growing up and first understanding his identity, to leaving home, finding freedom, and now helping others do the same, Alex brings honesty, warmth, and hard-won perspective to every answer.

Keep listening. Keep questioning. And above all, keep the conversation human.

In this episode of Off Script, hosts Elizabeth Kuiper and Naina Madan sit down with Wytze van der Gaast, a teacher at Meertalig Atheneum Woluwe in Brussels, for an unfiltered look at what education really looks like in 2026.

What we cover:

• The lived reality of teaching today — the pressure, pace, and impossible expectations
• How teachers keep up with students shaped by TikTok, gaming culture, and digital anxiety
• Preparing students for jobs and challenges that don't yet exist
• Teaching democracy and civic values in classrooms with 20+ nationalities
• Social media's impact on mental health, learning, and classroom dynamics
• AI in education: powerful tool, existential threat, or too early to judge?
• What gives educators hope — even now

Why listen? Because whoever you are — parent, student, policy maker, or professional — the future of education affects you. And the people on the front lines of it deserve to be heard.

Off Script. Real conversations. No filter.

🔗 Follow us for new episodes every other wednesday

📩 Share this with an educator you know.