Esther Pérez-Ferrer: "My son wants to go to school to tell all the teachers who told him he'd never amount to anything in life that they were wrong."

BarcelonaNile has seen Figaro(rk) and he liked discovering the character of Figaro, the evolution of Figaro influencer until he discovered how to be a revolutionary today. He also liked the songs and the fact that the most famous musical pieces from the three operas starring Figaro were featured in the show. He also liked the scenery, the costumes, and the fact that the lead actor was a young man who performed so well. The play speaks to the importance of the small revolutions that each of us can make.

It's an important message.

— There's a moment when Figaro says, "Guys, not everything is done, we must keep getting up from our seats if we want things to change." And the lyrics of a song say, "The revolution isn't made just by liking, it's not a real change." This phrase can be useful for young people. It makes them think about the influence of social media on their lives. If someone really wants to make a change, no matter how small, this isn't the right path. It's necessary to move and take action.

And your oldest son has really taken action.

— Pol, while he was in high school, worked in a call center Part-time. His boss suggested he go with him to Argentina because they were opening a new office and were very happy with him. After finishing high school, he went away for three months and was offered a chance to open offices in Venezuela as well, with greater responsibility. After three more months in Venezuela, he returned and told us: "I'm not coming back to eat a piece of cake. I want to eat the whole thing. Tomorrow I have an appointment at the notary to open an SL; I already have an office to start my business."

Incredible.

— Today, his company has twelve employees. It's a business dedicated to expanding the client base of large corporations. Sadly, his goal is to succeed and one day go to school to tell all the teachers who told him he'd amount to nothing in life that they were wrong. He wants to go to schools to give talks to boys and girls about being brave and that a grade on an exam is not an indicator of success in life.

Why do you say? sadly?

— Because I feel bad that he has to prove himself to former teachers. I feel bad that he has an open wound from his time as a student. I'm sorry it wasn't a happy time and that, to heal it, he needs to do this.

He went to work abroad. Tell me about that departure.

— At 21, the distance is turning into a connection. His maturity is making him come back again and share many concerns. This reassures me because I see he trusts us enough to tell us things. On the other hand, Nile is only beginning to ask us for more freedom to forge his own path.

The older one approaches and the younger one moves away.

— Both children are gifted. Since the youngest is in an advanced grade, his classmates are older and have more freedom than he does. So, we're at a point where we don't know if it's a good idea to give him a little extra time to learn from his classmates so he doesn't get excluded from the group. We try to balance the scales. We give him the space he needs and try to keep an eye on them, as much as possible. In any case, this process of distancing himself from his children is part of their growth, and I'm a happy spectator watching it happen. All I can do is be there when they need me.

What reflection do you usually make to your children?

— Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.

How do you help the little one do what the older one did, who has already found his calling?

— I tell him that effort is important. High school requires commitment and perseverance. I tell him that things are hard, that they aren't easy. But I don't want him to experience it with anxiety either. I tell him that he can be whatever he wants, that he should visualize what he'd like to do when he grows up. That he shouldn't focus on the financial aspect or the job prospects, but rather on what fulfills him and excites him. I'll give him my example. I was studying to be a lawyer, but I decided to follow my calling, and it has been the best decision of my life. If I had finished on my own, I would surely have been better off financially, but I wouldn't have been as happy and fulfilled as I am on stage.