What Kind of Future Awaits Graduates?

Across the U.S. this month, students and families are celebrating the remarkable achievement of graduation. 

Donned in their caps and gowns, graduates will stride across the stage to receive their diplomas. However, as they leave the stage, many might be wondering what kind of world awaits them.

Political partisanship is at an all-time high.
Career prospects are not ideal for the younger generation.
The current economy benefits the ultra-wealthy but hurts the middle and lower classes.
Homeownership seems out of reach.
Younger people are deciding not to have children because of instability.
War continues to rage around the world with no end in sight.
U.S. lawmakers continue to rig the system to benefit their agendas.
The country is becoming more exclusive and less inclusive.
And the environment continues to spiral without anyone giving much attention to it.

As a member of Generation X, I feel like I need to apologize to graduates for the world we’re asking them to inherit. Please forgive me, my generation, and all the generations that have allowed this to happen in the world. You deserve so much better.

As you walk off the stages this month and into the future, may I offer you some advice as you begin the next phase of your lives?

First and foremost, please remember and practice the golden rule, “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” Preceding generations have created a world that divides us and pits us against one another. We are always on the lookout for how others are trying to harm us. 

While we need to be cautious, we must also guard against societal pressures that dehumanize us. The world would be a much better place to live in if we remembered our humanity is our common bond. Being kind, respectful and generous will go a long way in shaping the kind of world that will endure.

Second, make creation care a priority. With global warming intensifying and the reality that we are inching toward a point of no return, this is the most important issue we face. So goes the planet, so goes humanity. 

Use your youth and passion to make policymakers take notice. And as you rise to places of leadership, make certain the earth is included in your platforms and policies. You may be the last hope to save a healthy planet.

Third, reject white Christian nationalism by supporting a strong wall of separation between church and state. The founders of the United States understood the importance of keeping church and state separate. A strong wall of separation protects religion from government and government from religion.  

The U.S was not founded as a Christian nation, but that myth persists and has historically been turned into a weapon to oppress and control others.

Fourth, reestablish inclusive ideologies that respect diversity and advocate for equality. Diversity, equity, and inclusion has become a political trope to incite division and outrage. These three words and practices should have never been turned into divisive tools.

Diversity is one of society’s great strengths. The fact that we are all unique should be celebrated. Equity is at the very heart of what it means to be a U.S. citizen; everyone gets a vote and should be treated the same under the law. Inclusivity simply means ensuring no one gets left behind or forgotten.

How can these ideals and practices be bad? Graduates, please ensure diversity, equity and inclusion return as celebrated values.

Fifth, support free and independent journalism. The free press is currently under attack. 

Ultra-wealthy oligarchs are sweeping up media companies to create giant opportunities to control content and what people hear and see. Freedom of the press is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution; therefore, we must ensure that journalists and content creators can speak truth across the public square.

While traditional journalism continues to fight, it is losing on many fronts. Stephen Colbert’s cancellation and final late-night show this week demonstrates the power authoritarians and oligarchs have over the media. 

Despite this reality, I know your generation will find ways to communicate truth and counter false narratives. You are some of the best and brightest the United States has to offer.

Sixth, love your neighbor. While this may sound like a repeat of practicing the Golden Rule, it goes beyond mere kindness. Loving your neighbor means looking out for them regardless of their identity, citizenship or political persuasion. Loving your neighbor also means loving those you disagree with. We must stop seeing each other as enemies.

We can disagree fundamentally in the marketplace of ideals, but in the end, our humanity binds us to each other. Love looks past differences and contradictions, looking into the hearts of the other and says unequivocally, “I love you because you are a child of God.”

Seventh, love yourself. Life can be difficult, and after graduation, it can become even more so. 

The world will tell you that you are not smart enough, skilled enough or wealthy enough. The world will attempt to get you to doubt yourself and turn to self-criticism. Don’t fall for it! You are a child of God, made perfectly in the divine image.

As you leave for a new life adventure, please know there are so many of us in the world rooting for you. Your success is our success, and vice versa.

My generation is trying to learn from the mistakes of our predecessors, and we hope you will do the same from yours. Graduates, you are very special, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise.

Congrats, 2026 Graduates. Now, with your diplomas in hand, go change the world!