Thinking about the future can be a daunting task; possibly more daunting than even high school can be. However, recent Greene County graduates Ethan Davis, Ashlyn Tatlock, and Calvin Myers all agree that when asked about their feelings for the future, there was no hesitation in their similar answers: “excited,” “hopeful,” and “optimistic.”
Of course, one question graduates hear more often than not is about their college plans. While each of the individuals hope to obtain a college degree in some fashion, the paths they have chosen to take vary with their passions.
On one hand, Bloomfield High School graduate Ethan Davis is heading for Indiana University’s College of Business. While following in the footsteps of his father, Davis plans to pursue a degree in finance. Aside from having “always been interested in numbers and math,” Davis is motivated by the fact that he shares this passion with his father. However, he also aspires to “make a name for [himself]” in the field. When asked what his dream career would be, Davis concludes that “being in charge of something like the Bank of America” would be a top goal of his. Overall, Davis looks forward to “new opportunities” and “creating [his] own path.”
Another young dreamer whose plans are motivated by a beloved family member is Linton-Stockton High School graduate Ashlyn Tatlock. Growing up, Tatlock and her grandfather “were best friends.” The combination of her adoration for this veteran and her “love [for] serving other people” motivated Tatlock to enlist in the Air Force and then earn a degree in the healthcare field. As of now, Tatlock plans to serve in the military for 4 to 6 years, then pursue a career as either a radiologist or OB nurse. While she experiences both nervousness and excitement, Tatlock’s mind is set on “trusting God” to have “a really good path” for her life, yet she can find peace by “putting it all” on the foundation of her faith. By taking a route of service before education, Tatlock may postpone her classes, but her focus remains on what she knows is most important.
Also taking a non-traditional direction, Bloomfield High School graduate Calvin Myers chose to “defer [his] college enrollment for one year” to take on the role of Indiana’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) Southern Region Vice President. By doing so, Myers looks forward to having the opportunity to “lead, serve, and help FFA members across the state unlock their full potential.” After completing this year of self-application and leadership, Myers plans to attend Purdue University to study Agribusiness Management and looks to use both this and his experience with FFA to “prepare for a career in the agricultural industry” as best he can. Overall, Myers’ main motivation stems from his “deep roots” in agriculture that began with his family’s farm, which he hopes to one day manage and expand. Despite the unknown that the time ahead may hold, when asked his feelings about the future, Myers states he is “incredibly excited… and optimistic” for all the opportunities that may await him.
Regardless of their differing goals, one can view the prospective paths of these three recent graduates as prime examples of the potential, ambition, and fearlessness many find evident in the Class of 2025. These young people will inevitably face both positive and negative events in their lives, but an optimistic outlook and a focus on the positive, as described by the aforementioned graduates, may prove to serve them incredibly well.