As I sat at a coffee shop a few miles north of Seattle, two groups of senior high school students laughed, shared memories, and discussed their college ambitions. Funding has been secured (mostly), a few scholarships granted, and road trips to dorm rooms planned. The students continued on, talking about the recession, job ambitions, financial realities, and how their college experience will likely differ than their older siblings.
Ten years ago last week, I graduated high school. And I would not have known this without Facebook for I came across a status update from a fellow graduate who wanted to remind all of her friends. AOL Instant Messenger was probably the most advanced online chat tool back then. With Twitter, Facebook, and numerous other social tools now available to access via computer or mobile phone, coffee shop like conversations are happening online—some of these while at actual coffee shops.
During high school, I wouldn’t have thought to meet my friends for coffee and conversation. Most were drinking something other than coffee and its wasn’t very conducive to meaningful conversation. Nowadays, I spend a few days a week at coffee shops striking up as many conversations as possible.
Plenty of blog posts and newspaper articles have thrown out tips for new college students on how to approach their next four plus years. My suggestion is that when times get difficult and/or confusing, find a conversation friendly place, and discuss what’s on your mind with your friends or even your favorite professor. As long as your talking about issues that concern you rather than avoiding them, you’re moving in the right direction.
One Comment
“As long as your talking about issues that concern you rather than avoiding them, you’re moving in the right direction.” << Great advice!