Greetings, my name is Gaya Mezhlumyan. I serve as a Program Co-Director at Camphill Academy within Camphill Communities California, located in the coastal town of Soquel. My journey with Camphill Academy started nearly a decade ago when I enrolled as a student in 2015. I vividly remember the first weeks of my academic journey and how they profoundly altered my perception of education.
I consider myself a lifelong learner, as the pursuit of knowledge has been a central thread in my biography. In my native Armenia, education is highly prioritized despite prevalent socioeconomic disparities, and it was similarly emphasized within my family. My formative years were spent attending both a general and a music school, where the rigorous academic demands often curtailed playing outdoors. Growing up in post-Soviet Armenia, I experienced school as rigid and demanding. The educational system placed significant emphasis on extensive homework, examinations, and high expectations, with limited opportunities for creative thought and experiential learning.
Further, my undergraduate studies in Economics and Insurance highlighted the disjunction between theoretical knowledge and practical application, which became apparent during my first internship. This dissonance led me to seek new experiences, taking me to São Paulo, Brazil where I volunteered at Associação Comunitária Monte Azul. Here, I encountered the transformative and creative potential of education while working with children in the favela. This experience not only allowed me to support the children but also provided lots of opportunities to play, compensating for the missed experiences of my own childhood. Immersed in a new culture and context, I gained diverse insights into education, community building, and inclusive learning, which subsequently directed me toward Camphill. My journey to Camphill was “guided” by one of the children at the school, a beautiful being who silently yet mightily revealed to me new dimensions of humanness.
At Camphill Academy, I pursued studies in Inclusive Social Development with a concentration in Social Therapy. I discovered everything I longed for: hands-on learning immersed in a vibrant community life, artistic and contemplative practices, and learning through reflective dialogue.
I remember once being asked to “live with a question”, which initially seemed an odd request. It took me a while to understand what that actually meant. Today “living with a question” has become an inseparable part of my inner life, opening me to a deeper understanding of the world. Education, thus, became more than knowledge acquisition, but also community engagement and organizing, relationship building, and active service. Reflecting on this journey, I am overwhelmed by the liberating impact that this journey has had on me in becoming who I am today.
Following my graduation from Camphill Academy, I joined the Camphill California core faculty and began co-teaching. Now, in my current role as a Program Co-Director, I strongly carry the student experience at the forefront and the commitment to education that is nurturing and transformative. Collaborating with passionate colleagues who are dedicated to a shared vision and seeing happy students is one of my highlights, though I won’t deny that the joy of having all the course descriptions in place on time is another fulfilling moment. Currently, being a graduate student myself helps me stay in tune with new approaches and developments in an ever-changing educational landscape. Moreover, in November 2024, I joined the Camphill Academy Collegium. Being part of this bright group of teachers and scholars helps me not only gain insights into the nuances of carrying the programs and their integrity, but also deepen our work with social responsibility.
I am grateful to be part of the wider Camphill Academy community and to carry this work for those who are with us and will yet join us.
