As high school seniors prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives, many are filled with a mix of anticipation, dreams and uncertainty about what the future holds. We sat down with a group of seniors to ask them a simple yet profound question: where do you see yourself in ten years? Their responses will reveal a lot about themselves, and you!
When asked where they dream of living a decade from now, responses spanned across the globe. Dev Patel imagines life in Rome, drawn to its rich culture, cuisine and timeless architecture. Joshua Rodkey sees himself in Basel, Switzerland—a scenic city with riverside charm and efficient public transit. Meanwhile, Lucy Hughes envisions a quieter life on Vieques, a serene Puerto Rican island.
If these students could send a message to their 28-year-old selves, what would they say? The answers were filled with encouragement and thoughtful reflection. “Keep your head up,” says Patel. “Some things may not go according to plan, but that’s okay—you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.” Rodkey offers a steady reminder: “Keep going, even if the going gets hard.” And for Lina Bernstiel, her message is both simple and inspiring: “Do what makes you happy and you will be successful.”
What excites them most about the decade ahead? For Hughes, she is eager to pursue law school inspired by the classic movie Legally Blonde. Bernstiel is looking forward to the freedom of college life—and finally getting a dog and cat of her own.
We often ask: does high school really shape a person’s future? For these students, the answer is a resounding yes. Hughes says school gave her space to define her goals and values, and Bernstiel notes that it helped her identify her passions and potential career paths.
Of course, the next ten years won’t be without their challenges. Patel anticipates navigating college, job hunting, and work-life balance—but he’s determined to stay motivated. Rodkey expects difficulties with stability, yet plans to take life one step at a time. Hughes foresees navigating ethical dilemmas in patent law and environmental policy. And for Bernstiel, she acknowledges the long academic road ahead, but she’s committed to balancing school with personal happiness.
Some students have specific ambitions, while others are letting life unfold naturally. Rodkey hopes to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and thrive in his career. Hughes aims to become a practicing patent lawyer, possibly with a PhD in policy. And Bernstiel wants a degree in hand, a fulfilling job, and to provide for a dog by her side.
From law to medicine to finance, these seniors are stepping into the future with bold aspirations and open minds. Whether they follow carefully charted paths or forge new ones as they go, one thing is clear: the next decade holds infinite possibilities.
