Will They Leave or Stay? What Young People Say
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — As part of our Brain Gain editorial program, The Business Journal is interviewing young people, asking about their aspirations, perceptions of the region, parental support and what they would like to communicate to older generations.
High school students featured here were interviewed at random Oct. 29 during the inaugural Junior Achievement College, Career and Trades Conference at the Eastwood Mall Complex, which was attended by 3,000 students from 40 schools.
Watch our Daily BUZZ today to hear more from these students and others.
Brandon Baird, sophomore, Lordstown High School
Do you plan to stay in the area?
My plan is to stick around but it depends where life takes me. You never really know. My first goal is to go [Trumbull Career & Technical Center] for HVAC, then go into the Marines and go to college.
What’s important to you in a work environment?
Having fun and making money because that’s what this world revolves around, money. Without it, you have nothing.
What would like to tell older generations?
I wouldn’t really tell them anything. I hate this generation. Because this generation doesn’t know anything, they don’t care about anything. They’re always glued to their phones and they don’t care about real life, making money, paying attention. It’s stupid. Kids should learn … go out, find a job and make money.
Anna Atkinson, junior, Mineral Ridge High School
Do you plan to stay in the area?
I love the area a lot. I have a lot of friends who are here and I think it’s just an overall great community. My family is from here and I want to stay close to them.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I want to be a doctor. I have a real passion for helping people especially children so I’ll probably go into pediatrics.
What are your parents encouraging you to do?
Get a lot of scholarships, stay in school, have a passion for doing what I want to do.
What do you want to say to older generations?
I would just like to thank them for paving the way for all of us to be successful and helping us further our careers and our lives in general.
Haya Farhan, junior, McDonald High School
Do you plan to stay in the area?
I’m not sure about that. I’m looking into moving because I’ve been here most of my life.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I want to go into medical nursing because I love helping people. Nursing is very flexible when it comes to education – two-year, four-year training from a hospital.
What are your parents encouraging you do?
Go to college and be successful.
What do you want to say to older generations?
I’d tell the older generations that we don’t have to follow tradition. There are many things [career options] people can look into.
Brian Williamson, junior, Warren G. Harding
Do you plan to stay in the area?
Of course. Everybody wants to leave. But if I leave, I want to come back and take care of my community if I have enough money to do that.
What are you thoughts about your community?
We can make it better … By everyone coming together.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully I see myself somewhere nice, blessed wherever God puts me at.
What are your parents encouraging you to do?
To be the best me.
What would you like to say to older generations?
I’m glad, what you guys went through, that you tell me what to do and what not to do so I can learn from your mistakes.
Lacey Allen, junior, Warren G. Harding
Do you plan to stay in the area?
I’m thinking about leaving. I think there are better opportunities in a bigger place, a bigger environment.
What are you thoughts about your community?
I think it needs more opportunities here for kids, things we need – playgrounds, better schools.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I want to be a lawyer or go to school for psychology.
What would you like to say to older generations?
Encourage your kids to help other people. It starts with parents encouraging their children to help other people. It starts in households.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
