I know this may sound concerning, and even frightening to some, however I am not one to really think much about the economy; there are aspects to it that I am completely unaware of, and I am not interested in it enough to even learn more about it. However, when we were told to partake in this assignment, I figured I should ask people questions about aspects of the economy I do understand, such as careers and finances, to get the most out of this experience. Additionally, I decided I would interview some upperclassmen this time around, as I focused mainly on freshman previously. It seems crazy, but the upperclassmen seem just as clueless about the economy as I do, and it truly reassured me that I am not falling behind! 

I asked two questions to my interviewees, the first being, “What do you believe is more valuable: the money that you make from a job, or actually enjoying the job itself? Why?” and the second being, “What regarding the economy should be taught in middle and high school to help college students prepare for their future jobs/finances?” Focusing in on the first question, I got some truly unexpected yet promising responses. Haley Levine, a junior, noted: “If you are not happy doing what you are doing, then why are you doing it? You will have a purpose and make more money if you want to keep going back to a place and job that you love.” Lexi Tellerman,a  sophomore, had a very similar response: “I think enjoying the job itself is more important because if I didn’t enjoy it, I would be miserable and wouldn’t do the job well. And therefore, I wouldn’t make money.” These two responses had one aspect in common, which is how they disproved the common misconception in our society, that money leads to happiness. I was surprised by these responses because I feel like many of my peers look at college as a way to prepare to get the best job in regards to making the most money. I don’t share this attitude with them, and feel so out of place sometimes, because I am actually excited for my future career as a teacher as kids bring me happiness, even though I know I might not be making the same amount of money as my friends in the medical fields. One of my peers on my floor actually explained to me that he is going to school to become a doctor, but does not even want to follow this career path, however his parents are forcing him to because they claim he will be successful one day as he will be making “loads of money.” My friend explained he of course does not want to disappoint his parents, however he is nervous he won’t be happy in his future career path.  I encouraged him to be open with his parents, and explain that he doesn’t want to waste their money on his tuition to go to school for something he is not genuinely passionate about. 

In regards to my second question, I got a response that I really wasn’t expecting. I expected to get straightforward answers, such as supply and demand should be taught more, however I was proved wrong.  The response that stood out to me the most was from Matt Caplan, a junior: “Honestly, I really don’t know how to answer this question because I don’t know much about the economy myself. It scares me because I don’t know how prepared I will be for my future and I don’t know how to even manage my current finances, and I am graduating in about a year.” I relate to this, as I don’t have a sufficient understanding of my finances; my dad handles all of that on my behalf, and if  I were to graduate next year I would be freaking out as well! This makes me question the curriculum in middle and high schools; had we learned about basic strategies of saving and spending, so many college students would be equipped for their financial future in college and beyond.