With an astonishing 78 percent of the vote, readers of the British daily, "The Guardian" chose Chilean student leader Camila Vallejo as this year's "Person of Year".<br/> Starting back in May, Vallejo has been fundamental in leading massive student rallies demanding the government guarantee free and quality public education.<br/> The students say the education system is profit-motivated, and of a poor standard.<br/> At a news conference on Monday, Vallejo said being recognized by the British paper is evidence the world is taking notice of the students' message.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) STUDENT LEADER WHO LED STUDENT PROTESTS IN CHILE AND FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION OF CHILEAN STUDENTS, CAMILA VALLEJO, SAYING:<br/> "This shows that the fight of the social movement for education in Chile is recognized around the world. It [the world] has taken it on as its own, and hopefully it can be an example for other struggles throughout the entire world. I think that's what the recognition "The Guardian" has made is about. True, to me, but it isn't exactly about me as a person, but instead the movement that took shape in Chile."<br/> Vallejo was chosen by readers of the Guardian ahead of Mohammed Bouazizi, the Tunisian vegetable seller whose self-immolation set off a wave of revolts around the Arab world, and other notables such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who garnered just 1.2 percent of the vote.<br/> Don Pessin, Reuters
