When we think of the future, we either get excited or scared, or sometimes both. It is okay to not have our whole future planned out. While everyone’s future might look different, we all share a common goal: growth.

For most students, 10 years feels like a lifetime from now, but time goes by really fast. Today’s high schoolers at Osbourn High School will be in their late twenties or early thirties by then, building careers, families, and identities. Many imagine themselves finishing college, starting businesses, working in healthcare, or chasing creative passions.

Many of us have a lot of goals for the future, but sometimes we lose the motivation to keep fighting for them, and that’s okay. Many people find purposes to keep going and accomplish them. Some people do it for their family, and some of them do it to see where destiny will take them.

“I have very high standards for myself, and I always try my best. I am motivated by what the future may hold,” said Henna Exley, 9th grade.

There are many strategies to stay motivated, and it depends on every individual.

As well as motivation, habits play a big role in being able to succeed in life. Some of us need to change many habits for the better and keep growing as a person.

“I definitely need to improve my work ethic and my motivation. I’m a bit of a procrastinator,” stated Henna.

I think many of us also struggle with actually getting our work done and not fall into procrastination. 

As well as students, teachers have many plans and goals for the future. After 10 years, many teachers see themselves in a different place, but sometimes many of them think they will keep working as the job they have right now, teaching.

“I would definitely like to try something new, or maybe try something in the same educational area, just outside of a classroom. I would love to teach teachers how to be teachers,” said Jennifer Paprocki, an English 10th Honors Teacher.

Many of us also dream about being in a different country. Some dream of moving to the other side of the world, while others plan to stay in the same place, just a different city/state.

“Realistically, if I want to buy a house, it would be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The reason why I say this is because of the beautiful architecture of the homes, and because I have family there, and it’s really affordable living, and they pay teachers really. Now, if I were to live in my dream state, I would love to live in New York City. I love the city life, I love all the activities that are available to do there, but it’s too expensive,” said Ms. Paprocki.

Looking back, there are many things that we regret not doing or saying. It is really good to reflect on all these things and learn from the mistakes. 

Growing as a person should be our main goal, and trying to avoid these things in the future will make things easier. 

“I regret not being more extroverted, not taking risks, and missing opportunities because I let other people influence my decisions. I now put myself first and built more confidence in myself and learned from my mistakes,” said Citllali Gaspar, a 10th grader. 

Forgiving and accepting ourselves for past mistakes is a big step for self-growth. No matter how difficult life gets, we always have to put one foot forward and keep going because time doesn’t stop, no matter how sad or down we feel. If we make a mistake, it is not the end of the world. We still have a whole future ahead of us, and we have to make the best out of it. 

What is your dream future?