Sure, we get annoyed when adults ask us about our future plans, but because it was tb-two* asking, these students agreed to answer the question “What does your future hold?” — Compiled by Samantha Wassmer, St. Petersburg High; Celeste Brown, Newsome High; Alian Collazo, Dixie Hollins High; and Olivia Smith, St. Petersburg High.

Tucker DeGregory, St. Petersburg High freshman
I’ve always known what I’ve wanted to do.
I’ve always aspired to perform and to find a way to make a living doing what I love.
When I was 3 years old, I saw Mikhail Baryshnikov dance. It was then that I saw my future. My goal has changed as I’ve grown up and matured, but my dreams have remained the same.
I have a plan for my future and what classes/directions I need to take to reach it. I’ve mapped out my college choice, career situation — my life. So, I guess you could say I think a little ahead.

Jadea Powell, Newsome High sophomore
I’m graduating high school and beginning my journey in around two years, and it’s crazy to think that at only 17 years old my life is going to change drastically.  •   I’m hoping to move to London. I know it seems unrealistic, but if you’re going to do something, go big or go home, or maybe in this case, stay home. It’s more difficult to prepare to go to college in a different country, not only because you’re leaving everything you know behind, but you have to learn a completely different culture.   •   Since I decided that moving abroad is what I wanted to do, I’ve had to put a lot of effort into it. I had to research the most probable cities for good colleges, places to live and plenty of job opportunities, and I’ve spent so many Saturday mornings learning things about my future home. There is definitely a less interesting portion to all of this: learning laws, and train routes to get around cities, and baby-sitting an insane amount of hours to save money. But when you want something enough, you’ll do anything to get it. •   My advice? It can be tricky not to just slack off for a semester, or spend every Saturday out with friends, but you can’t. I’d also say, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, I know it sounds cliche. But I’ve had plenty of people, even my parents, tell me I can’t. But just keep going, keep your eye on what you want, and stay determined and they’ll see you’re serious.  •  I’ve had this vision of living in an apartment surrounded by the city, next to a little coffee shop, traveling around to new and exciting places, and I’m determined to fulfill that vision.
 
Abigail Mattern, Dixie Hollins High junior
The first thing that runs through my head when asked that question is uncertainty.
Uncertainty because no one really knows what the future will be like. I feel that there isn’t enough one can do in the present to prepare for the future, which is why I strive to do things that will secure me a bright future. Yet the uncertainty always lingers, because there is no magical way of knowing what our future holds.

Jessie Rubin, Admiral Farragut Academy senior
I haven’t chosen a college yet, but all the colleges I have applied to and was accepted to have photography programs, as well as programs for journalism or some form of writing.
I want to be a traveling photographer, because it’s a way to combine art and culture. My dream job is to be a photojournalist for National Geographic doing traveling/adventure type stories. Traveling is one of my favorite things and something I think everyone can benefit and learn so much from.
I think it would be amazing to inspire people with my photos so, hopefully, someday I can do that.