4 answers
1
Question
Updated
239 views
What is good motivation for students who are struggling with hope in their future, since the world is becoming a scary and difficult place to perceive joyful solutions? #Spring26
The political climate of the world is progressively becoming more and more intimidating. As a college student, I have just started pursuing my future and I often find my friends losing motivation to continue their education since they feel the hostility going on around us that the feeling of imminent doom is the only thing to focus on and I am unsure how to help them. Any words of motivation would be great!
Login to comment
4 answers
Updated
Aidan’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hey Jordyn! I totally feel you on how intimidating and chaotic the world feels right now. We do live in crazy times lol. With that said, I think it is all the more reason to not give up and keep striving for personal growth (and collective growth), even if the world feels like it's going backwards.
To some degree, every generation has had to deal with "omg the world is ending" crises, but each of those generations has still produced amazing people, and I don't think that's necessarily any different now. Students 100 years ago were just coming out of a world war and heading into a new one, but that generation was full of incredible people across many different fields. Students 60 years ago were dealing with the Cold War (and all sorts of geo-political craziness) but still pushed forward with the Civil Rights movement and created change at a massive scale. Students 20 years ago were dealing with post-9/11 trauma and the fallout from that, but still came up with some of the most transformative technology and social movements we've ever had.
A college education also isn't just about career prep. It includes the developement of your capacity to think clearly amidst all of the chaos! With more chaos comes a bigger need for people who can reason well, communicate, empathize, solve problems, and work together. Hopefully that is something you and your friends are thinking about in terms of your broader college experience.
The world may seem full of doom at times, and it makes sense to feel like that, but giving in to it doesn't help anyone! Strive to be better than you were yesterday and keep making progress. The future isn't set in stone, but rather something the newer generations are actively building right now! Why not try to make a difference?
Hopefully this is a mindset that your friends can subscribe to, as I was in a similar position in college (still even today) and it helped me so much :)
Wishing you and your friends all the best,
Aidan
To some degree, every generation has had to deal with "omg the world is ending" crises, but each of those generations has still produced amazing people, and I don't think that's necessarily any different now. Students 100 years ago were just coming out of a world war and heading into a new one, but that generation was full of incredible people across many different fields. Students 60 years ago were dealing with the Cold War (and all sorts of geo-political craziness) but still pushed forward with the Civil Rights movement and created change at a massive scale. Students 20 years ago were dealing with post-9/11 trauma and the fallout from that, but still came up with some of the most transformative technology and social movements we've ever had.
A college education also isn't just about career prep. It includes the developement of your capacity to think clearly amidst all of the chaos! With more chaos comes a bigger need for people who can reason well, communicate, empathize, solve problems, and work together. Hopefully that is something you and your friends are thinking about in terms of your broader college experience.
The world may seem full of doom at times, and it makes sense to feel like that, but giving in to it doesn't help anyone! Strive to be better than you were yesterday and keep making progress. The future isn't set in stone, but rather something the newer generations are actively building right now! Why not try to make a difference?
Hopefully this is a mindset that your friends can subscribe to, as I was in a similar position in college (still even today) and it helped me so much :)
Wishing you and your friends all the best,
Aidan
Updated
DENNIS A’s Answer
Hi Jordyn: Tough one! Struggle - especially an internal one are very hard to deal with. You and your friends need to look deep into your souls to see what you are made of! These are strange times, we have a war we started, corruption off the chart, ice agents raiding communities like yours, Crazy stuff.
You and your friends have a few options. You can bury your heads and pretend these things are not happening or you can stand up and fight back. Go out and vote - keep democracy alive. Get involved in a cause you care about. Help a candidate you like! But...first and foremost stay in school!
People like those in power now hate educated people. They want people who follow what they say - not question what they say. Aiden is right. Every generation faces a challenge. However, it is up to that generation to rethink, retool, adapt and make America a better place! Don't give up! Stand up - you and your friends - and fight for what you believe in!
Good luck!
You and your friends have a few options. You can bury your heads and pretend these things are not happening or you can stand up and fight back. Go out and vote - keep democracy alive. Get involved in a cause you care about. Help a candidate you like! But...first and foremost stay in school!
People like those in power now hate educated people. They want people who follow what they say - not question what they say. Aiden is right. Every generation faces a challenge. However, it is up to that generation to rethink, retool, adapt and make America a better place! Don't give up! Stand up - you and your friends - and fight for what you believe in!
Good luck!
Updated
Karen’s Answer
One person doing one kind act can make the world a better place. As you look at difficult situations, try to focus on those who are the helpers and are doing the right things. For me, I smile each time I see or hear how Pope Leo is standing up for everyone.
Each day find something you can do that will benefit someone else. It could be simply smiling, holding a door open or going out of your way to assist an elderly person. Words can also make a difference. Notice something positive and let someone know you like the color they are wearing or how good they are at what they do. These words will help to bring a positive frame to everyday life, if even for only a moment, but might be what gets remembered at the end of the day.
I always encourage volunteering, no matter what you do, because that also will give you a sense of having made a difference in your day. You can place the future in God's hands, and know He will be there no matter what happens.
With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
Each day find something you can do that will benefit someone else. It could be simply smiling, holding a door open or going out of your way to assist an elderly person. Words can also make a difference. Notice something positive and let someone know you like the color they are wearing or how good they are at what they do. These words will help to bring a positive frame to everyday life, if even for only a moment, but might be what gets remembered at the end of the day.
I always encourage volunteering, no matter what you do, because that also will give you a sense of having made a difference in your day. You can place the future in God's hands, and know He will be there no matter what happens.
With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
Updated
Charlene’s Answer
Let me first begin by saying you are not alone and I'm sure most of us can empathize. We all live in a world where current events become headlines in an instant and it is hard to not be engulfed by it. While it helps to be informed, we need to discover ways to prevent from being consumed by all the external static. The fact that you recognize this for not just yourself but for your classmates is commendable and it shows you possess empathy and awareness. Kudos to you! I also believe you could take this opportunity to recognize the signs of being a leader; it takes these qualities to help lead others and you can begin by setting an example.
What are some interests that you share with other classmates? Do you enjoy photography, hiking, reading? Whatever these interests might be, make a point to set aside some quality time that you and others can engage in together. It's so important to find time to disengage from the mainstream and immerse yourself in things that provide joy. And that joy can be contagious!
Good luck to you!
Create a list of all your interests outside of school
Connect with a few friends/classmates who share these interests (even if it's just one)
Set a date to meet up.
Possibly form a group or club where you can take part in monthly activities.
What are some interests that you share with other classmates? Do you enjoy photography, hiking, reading? Whatever these interests might be, make a point to set aside some quality time that you and others can engage in together. It's so important to find time to disengage from the mainstream and immerse yourself in things that provide joy. And that joy can be contagious!
Good luck to you!
Charlene recommends the following next steps: