We’ve all heard the sayings: “Become a doctor,” “Become a lawyer,” or “Become a dentist!” Everyone has different plans when it comes to figuring out their future paths, but in the wake of the future’s uncertainty, many of us turn to our parents for career and educational guidance. Yet, despite these well-intentioned suggestions, teenagers are now more confused than ever when it comes to finding their path in life.
Rapid advancement in technology may be the root cause of this newfound confusion. AI programs are outsourcing the average human being when it comes to doing work activities. Headlines from the National Library of Medicine proclaim that “AI chatbots already surpass the average human in creativity,” leaving teens in fear of what the future holds when it comes to finding jobs. Even Computer Science majors, popularized by its correlated economic prosperity, may soon be without a job. AI has developed so greatly that it can now code working programs and apps.
Not only do students have to worry about being replaced by AI, but many feel pressured by their obligation to please their family’s wishes or simply fit in. We also commonly find ourselves prioritizing Calculus and AP Biology classes while viewing English or Art as a “side class”. Especially in Diamond Bar High School’s STEM-oriented environment, it’s common to follow the STEM route. Many students blindly pursue the STEM field without truly knowing if it’s something that they are even remotely interested in. These students are surrounded by an environment that pressures them to be in jobs that “pay well” rather than what they truly want to do, creating anxiety for their futures.
A huge factor that worries a lot of students is time itself. For instance, many sophomores and juniors are already discussing what they want to major in and what schools to apply to, creating a sense of urgency to have our futures figured out. In the midst of finding a student’s true path in a swarm of uncertainty, students can feel trapped in a maze with no clear exit. Wanting to fulfill familial aspirations and societal norms has created a sense of anxiety. Although worries of AI continue to arise, we should continue to put ourselves out there, gaining various experiences and trying new things, and soon enough a path will come into view. It is important to remember that no matter how well machines may excel in specific tasks, they do not shine as bright in comparison to the journey of human experiences.
As the saying goes, “You will end up where you belong.”
