The future: it’s scary; it’s exciting; it’s unknown. It’s always one step ahead of us holding the keys to what seems like infinite knowledge. The younger you are, the more vast and daunting the future seems. Where should I go to middle school? Which electives should I take; which clubs should I join? What should I be when I grow up? They all seem to have an impact on this ubiquitous “future” everyone throws around, but what does it all mean, really?

This week in Girlstart, the girls thought about their futures. The curriculum gave them space to dream about what their lives could look like, but it also challenged them. It asked them to consider the tangible steps required to accomplish their goals.
“I want to be a doctor,” one girl announced. Others followed suit, presenting dreams of becoming veterinarians, engineers, and scientists.

The STEM crew’s eyes lit up. As aspiring scientists and doctors themselves, the Girlstart teachers began to nurture the kids’ aspirations.
They passed out ribbons, each representing a different step the girls need to take before launching their careers. First middle school. Then high school, college or trade school, graduate school, and a job. The cluster of ribbons seemed simple yet overwhelming. It’s a short but important checklist.
But then the crew came by with the last ribbon. It’s dark green color stood out in the sea of pastels.

“This last one represents your family and friends,” Aleena said. “Because no matter where life takes you, they will always be the most important things.”
The girls tied it onto their bookmarks, and Aleena’s words rang true. Regardless of which clubs the girls join or which career they choose, friends and family will remain constant. And that’s what’s most exciting about the future.

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