I've really enjoyed talking with college students over the past few weeks. Without fail, I have found them to be energetic, courageous, and full of life. The young people I've talked with are passionate about their studies, they want to make a difference, and they seem utterly fearless. I'm sure, of course, that's not quite true. I realize that young people probably have as many fears as older people do. But the students who I've talked with don't tend to emphasize their fears. Instead, they seem to focus more on hope and dreams and opportunities.
I was probably like that when I was their age. Sadly, though, most of us lose that perspective as we get older.
If you were to overhear my conversations with these students, you would likely hear me suggesting wisdom and counseling restraint. Over the past few weeks I've heard students talk about semesters abroad, creative housing arrangements in big cities, educational debt, and all manner of frightening matters. I'm usually the one saying, "Are you sure that you want to do that?" "It wouldn't be very safe to travel to that country." "That's a big loan. Are you sure it's a good idea to take on that kind of debt?" The funny thing is that what I'm saying is often wise. And if you were to listen closely, that's the kind of counsel that I would be offering.
On the inside, however, I am saying some very different things. On the inside, I am desperately wanting to believe that these young people will aim higher, go further, try harder, risk more. My heart is hoping that they will, in fact, study abroad and pursue the dream and sacrifice something worthwhile.
I often feel that I'm expected to be the voice of reason - and so reason is often what I offer. On the inside, though, I am usually thinking something very different.
We are not, of course, required to stop dreaming when we get older. That is not required - though it seems pretty common. Young people, for the most part, haven't given up their dreams yet. Which is why I love talking with them and hearing about their plans. They still believe that impossible things are possible. They still believe that they can change the world. They still believe that their dreams will actually come true.
If they talk with me about their future, I'll probably tell them to tone it down a little.
But on the inside, I'm hoping against all hope that they go for it.