But to be young... (1989, January 14). The Economist, p. 30.

OVERVIEW

A 1988 survey showed that nearly 75% of the entering college freshman feel that college is the ticket to a higher paying, and therefore "better," job. However, 12% did not feel that undergraduate school is enough to achieve this (higher paying) goal.

It is not surprising that more students (and with more depth and frequency) feel depressed and overwhelmed. There is heavy pressure to perform in this world. Unfortunately, it is directly tied with mobility status, and success is directly tied with income.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

Consider the scenario:

Last night I spoke with Jill. She is an extremely bright, attractive, and articulate sophomore in college. She comes from a competent and successful family. She is an amazingly competent leader, and has been years beyond herself for as long as she can remember. People have grown to expect greatness from her nineteen year old life. She could not take it. Last week she quit school and sought help.

1. What is wrong with this picture?
2. How has our culture let Jill down?
3. What counsel would you give to Jill?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Society needs gifted and competent leaders who are sensitive and caring, bright, and articulate. However, these people are devastated by society’s expectation for them to be superhuman.
2. The intrinsic values of American culture need to be reassessed to discern the ways it presses us into harmful, debilitating, and oppressive behaviors and lifestyles.
3. U.S. society needs to challenge the assumption that "you are what you do." Until this occurs, many more remarkable people like Jill will "slip through the cracks," virtually unnoticed.
4. In relational youth work, it is important to build people up to their potential—not to false goals. It is valuable to keep in mind one’s self-esteem.
5. Young people need to be happy and content with whom they are. Another person’s expectations can debilitate a person. The striving for wholeness does not have room for comparisons. Kids need to understand that they can stand approved by being the person he or she is designed to be and by doing the best they can.