Do any of you have a graduation right around the corner this spring? The Cowells do! It is so hard to believe our middle daughter will be graduating from high school.
Millions of seniors all over the country, in both high school and college, are counting down the days, maybe even hours until they have that diploma in hand. So with this big event right around the corner, what are they hoping for in their future?
The Barna Group sampled 602 teenagers. The question: What do you think your life will be like roughly 10 years from now, when you are a young adult, around age 25?
The biggest thing on their mind: finishing college for high schoolers and professional careers for college grads. “81% of teenagers felt they are likely to have a “great-paying job” by the time they are 25. Displaying their we-want-it-all perspective, 80% of teens also believed they would be serving in a “job where they can make a difference” by that age.” (1) In this economy, it is good to see that they have a positive outlook on the future
If our teens truly do want to have a great job and make a difference as well, how can we point them in the right direction? I remember having similar thoughts as I came out of high school, but didn’t find myself surrounded with those who could offer good advice or direction.
Maybe the Lord would use you to do just that! A great place to start is dialoging. When you ask a graduate, what they want to do, really listen. The Lord might use you to pour into this teen and help to point them down the right path.
Most teens will answer, “I don’t know” or “I don’t have a clue” when asked what they would like to do for work. Deciding what to major in or where to begin a career is a huge decision at such a young age. Take a moment at that Open House or celebration dinner to ask them what they enjoy, how they are gifted at or want they want to make. Share with them some of your work or service experiences. Give them ideas of peers you know that are in the work force who have similar gifts. Don’t be afraid to offer advice and encouragement. Many graduates are scared of the future; even if they don’t look like it! You might be just the person that the Lord would use to help a wanderer to find his way!
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