This June, the class of ‘26 will be closing a door and opening another. The door for each student is different and comes with some unique challenges about the future.
According to the U.S Chamber of Commerce, 80% of hiring managers believe that today’s graduates are less prepared and ready for the future than previous classes.
Future graduate Judah Moors believes this fear started at the very beginning of high school, but over time has ‘skyrocketed’ as the years have ramped up. But no matter what, he’s always had a clear goal in mind.
“I want to go to law school and become an international lawyer,” Moors said.
As the years went by, Moors isn’t entirely scared of the unforeseeable future, but had to shift course, as he sees himself not attending a university right away. He believes there’s really no overcoming the ‘fear’ of adulthood, that you just have to do it.
“It’s going to suck either way, and there’s really no way of overcoming it,” Moors said. “It’s just something you gotta do.”
Aspiring graduate Aylin Ruiz is currently ahead of the game, as she will be walking across the stage as a junior, but is still pretty nervous about her future. She sees failing to succeed as a main roadblock on her path to success, along with the increasing economy, which also worries Ruiz.
“I don’t really know if the economy will be good in ten to fifteen years.”
Once everything ends, she is still hopeful for the near future, but still isn’t set on a specific career.
“During my high school career, I’m always changing what career I want to go into.”
Anxious graduate Beau Donat says his future is complicated with incoming workloads and tighter deadlines. If not treated properly, Donat’s needs could severely decline his mental health. One way Donat avoids his mental health declining is by using basic strategies.
“If I’m ever feeling a little down, then I would use basic strategies that everyone uses in their day-to-day life.”
Donat’s future consists of the technological side of things by creating content on various platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Twitch.
In today’s society, having an idea for your future is usually a major step for someone, but Donat has said he’s been in a ‘spiraling circle,’ partially due to some of the things going on at home, which makes him feel like his future is out of control.
“For a majority of my future, it feels pretty out of control with me and my folks’ opinions on what I should do later on.”
But through it all, the troubles these graduates have faced throughout the years will probably not be on their minds when walking across that stage. While some might cry, have a huge smile on their face, or are just ready to get out of here. The hard work they have put into their careers will for sure not be forgotten as they move on to the next phase of their life.
