The Future: “I’m scared”

The future can be a scary and unpredictable place. No matter how much we plan, there are always factors beyond our control that can shape our lives in unexpected ways. The pace of technological change, political instability, climate change, and economic uncertainty are just some of the many challenges that we may face in the years to come. It is natural to feel apprehensive about what the future may hold. 

A Small Backstory

High school is a time of transition and change. It is a time when young people begin to think about their future, and what they want to do with their lives. For some, the future may seem scary or intimidating, while for others it may be exciting and full of possibilities. Your hormones during adolescence work wonders on you and you tend to complicate even the smallest and simplest things including catching a ball. As you get older, you start to think that doing things in a complex manner makes you feel grown up and mature and ready for the future. But don’t you wonder “Why can’t I do this in the most simple, direct way? Am I really not mature and ready if I cannot do it the hard and complex way? Will I be an outcast in society for doing or thinking like that?”

When I was a high school senior, I was a straight-A student. However, I was worried about how I’ll do in college. I heard that college is much more difficult than high school, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to handle it. But one day, I spoke with my guidance counselor, who told me about the academic resources available to me in college. 

The counselor also encouraged me to be proactive and seek out help when I need it. This conversation eased my fears about college and made me feel more confident about my ability to succeed. I also worry about losing touch with my high school friends after graduation. But I’ve made a plan to stay in touch with them through social media and video calls. I’m excited about the opportunity to make new friends in college, and I’m determined to put myself out there and join clubs and organizations that interest me.

My Current Situation

When it comes to career prospects, I’m still uncertain about what I want to do after college. However, I’ve been attending career fairs and talking to career counselors, which has given me some ideas about potential career paths. I’m also excited about the idea of pursuing internships and gaining real-world experience.

As I graduated from high school and looked towards the future, I realized that while there are certainly challenges and uncertainties, there are also many opportunities and possibilities. By staying optimistic, open-minded, and dedicated to my goals, I know that I can achieve great things in the future.

What do I do to keep things in order

Firstly, let’s talk about academics. High school can be challenging, with a heavy workload and the pressure to achieve good grades. As students progress through high school, they may start to wonder how they will fare in college or university. The idea of having to navigate a new environment and academic expectations can be daunting. However, it is important to remember that with hard work and dedication, anyone can succeed in higher education. It is also important to remember that college and university offer a lot of support for their students, including tutoring services, academic advisors, and study groups. While it may be challenging, the future of a high school student in terms of academics is not something to be feared.

Secondly, let’s consider social life. High school is often a time when students start to build close friendships and romantic relationships. However, as graduation approaches, students may start to worry about losing touch with their friends, or about not being able to make new friends in college or university. It is important to remember that everyone is in the same boat, and that making new friends can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Furthermore, with the advancements in technology and social media, it has never been easier to stay connected with people, no matter where they are in the world. Therefore, while there may be some changes in social life after high school, it is not something to be feared.

Thirdly, let’s talk about career prospects. As high school students prepare to graduate, they may start to worry about finding a job or pursuing a career that they are passionate about. It is important to remember that there are many resources available to help students with career planning, including career fairs, career counselors, and internships. Furthermore, the job market is constantly changing and evolving, with new industries and opportunities emerging all the time. While it may be challenging to find a job that is the perfect fit, it is important to stay optimistic and open-minded. The future of a high school student in terms of career prospects is full of possibilities and opportunities.

Lastly, let’s consider personal growth. High school is a time of personal growth and development. As students prepare to leave high school and enter the wider world, they may start to worry about whether or not they are ready for the challenges that lay ahead. It is important to remember that personal growth is a lifelong journey, and that everyone has their own unique path. Furthermore, there are many resources available to help with personal growth and development, including therapy, self-help books, and personal coaches. While it may be intimidating to think about personal growth, it is important to remember that it is a necessary part of life, and that it can lead to great things.

What I would consider a bare minimum to be universal

Here are some things that you, as a high school and college student, can do in order to ensure that you can keep up with the constantly evolving world

1. Research career options Take the time to explore different career paths that you might be interested in. Attend career fairs and job shadow professionals in fields that intrigue you. This will help you to make informed decisions about your future and set you on a path towards success.
2. Develop professional skills In today’s job market, it’s not enough to have a degree – you also need to have relevant skills that employers are looking for. Consider taking courses or attending workshops to develop your skills in areas like communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
3. Network Building a network of professional contacts can help you to find job opportunities and advance your career. Attend networking events and join professional organizations to meet others in your field of interest.
4. Take advantage of internships and co-op opportunities Internships and co-op programs are a great way to gain real-world experience and build your resume. They can also help you to make connections in your field and potentially lead to job offers after graduation.
5. Seek mentorship Finding a mentor who has experience in your field can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career. Look for opportunities to connect with mentors through your school or professional organizations.
6. Stay current In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and technological advancements. Make it a habit to read industry publications and attend conferences to stay current on the latest developments in your field.
7. Take care of yourself It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of planning for your future, but it’s important to take care of yourself in the process. Make sure to prioritize self-care, including getting enough sleep, exercise, and socializing with friends and family.

Conclusion

The future of a high school student is not as scary or intimidating as one may think. While there may be challenges and uncertainties, there are also many possibilities and opportunities. It is important to stay optimistic, open-minded, and dedicated to achieving one’s goals. With hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. Who knows, you could die tomorrow in the most unexpected way or you live past 110.  What you should do is to make sure that you live everyday like it’s your last and try to savor every experience and reflect upon it. At the end of the day, you shouldn’t have regrets and be satisfied and happy with what has happened so far in your life and look forward to whatever comes in the future. 

Exploring the future with an open mind and embracing uncertainty can be a powerful source of growth and discovery. By venturing into the unknown, we expose ourselves to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives that can challenge our assumptions and broaden our horizons. The future is full of infinite possibilities, and by embracing uncertainty, we open ourselves up to a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development. Through exploration and experimentation, we can uncover new passions, skills, and interests that we may never have discovered otherwise. Additionally, uncertainty can also foster creativity and innovation, as we are forced to think outside the box and come up with new solutions to unexpected challenges. Ultimately, embracing the uncertainty of the future can lead to a life of fulfillment, purpose, and growth.