We have all heard the line, "You do not know what hard is, I had to walk uphill both ways in the snow." Okay maybe that is just a figure of speech, but we have all heard something along those lines from our parents. But what they do not understand is the pressure put on this generation in order to be successful.
When our parents were in school, they graduated and most likely had a job in the next six months. They did not need two years of internships, connections, or for the most part no further education. Now the pressure to be involved, get experience, network, get good grades, hold a job, socialize, give back, and do not forget to take care of yourself has become apart of our everyday lives.
I remember growing up and being reminded that A's and B's were only accepted. Getting a C, what is considered average were not grades that got you into college. Along with getting good grades I had to be getting involved at school and in community organizations in order to build my resume. I also remember the stress that came along with this all. I thought once I got into college I could have some time to relax for I was not trying to impress anyone anymore. Boy was I wrong.
College is a whole different world. We now have the pressure of being able to stand above everyone else around us so we are able to find a job. We have all been turned against each other like a game. I have always learned to help others and give back but now I am supposed to do whatever I can to make myself look better on a piece of paper.
We are not only competing to get the job we want, we are also now trying to impress graduate schools. Since getting a bachelor's degree has now become the norm, having a master's or doctorate is the only way to be able to have the opportunity to advance in your career.
But even having a higher level education can not be enough. In order to get your foot in the door is to shadow, have internships, and network. All very important skills but now it seems the only way to get the job you want is by knowing the right people. Of course you could know the president and would not get anywhere without a killer resume.
All of this pressure has caused students to feel intimidated and many feel as if they have to settle for a degree that is not their passion, just so they are not moving home after they graduate. This is not how it should be. We should be celebrating each other's differences and encouraging everyone to follow their dreams. We need those bright eyed kids with big dreams of becoming astronauts and the president to come alive in our "adult" bodies.
We can all relate to this kind of pressure. But it is what we do with it that will change our futures. We can let the pressure rip us to shreds or make it a driving factor to get us to where we want to be. So next time your parents give you the speech about the hills just remind them all of what you are being asked to do, then be prepared to hear the lecture about working for $3.00 an hour.
