Brain drain? Economy scares youths

Lake Orion students will graduate from college in the next couple years and, in turn, try to find a career.
But with the downfall of the economy, especially in Michigan, do they consider Lake Orion a permanent residence or just a starting point on life’s journey?
Michigan’s unemployment rate is currently 14.1 percent. And economists predict it will only get worse within the next year.
What does this mean for Lake Orion residents in their early 20s beginning to embark on their career path? They have spent their lives taking classes and building goals only to be thrust into the world in the midst of an economic crisis.
Some are optimistic about the economy. Others are considering the alternatives to their hometown of Lake Orion.
Kelsey Ruppert is a 2007 Lake Orion High School graduate who just finished her second year at Oakland University.
‘If things aren’t improved in six years minimum, I’m moving west. Michigan isn’t the place to be. The state is great. I love summer in Michigan. Even some times in winter are nice. The economy is just not going to cut it. I’m not sure if I’ll ever leave the state or not, but the thoughts have definitely crossed my mind more than once or twice,? Ruppert said.
Ruppert also said she is worried the education she pays for now won’t be worth what it was ten years ago.
‘These are all things I think about often, things I discuss with my friends. It’s scary to think that a college degree doesn’t even guarantee a job anymore,? she said.
Felicia Guest, a Lake Orion resident and senior at Oakland University, shares some of the same concerns as Ruppert. She currently hasn’t been too affected by the economy because she works privately babysitting and teaching piano.
‘Babysitting is where the money is at,? Guest said. She laughed, then grew more serious. In reality, Guest said she knows if the parents who employ her take a hit by the economy, they will be unable to pay her; luxuries such as piano lessons could be cut completely.
Guest is currently working towards her elementary education major.
‘I am nervous about finding a career after graduating because there is a lot of competition in Michigan, especially when it comes to teaching. I am willing to move to another state if needed, but Michigan is my home,? Guest said.
Others are hardly concerned with the economic situation and think that by the time graduation rolls around, the current crisis will fade into a blip on Michigan’s radar.
When Jackie Jabczenski, 2006 LOHS graduate and Michigan State student, graduates in the next couple years, she said, ‘I would like to stay [in Michigan] to be close to my family regardless of the economic situation, and I feel by that time, there will be jobs available.?
Matt Turchyn, a 2005 LOHS graduate, will be studying law at Michigan State in the fall after graduating from the Univeristy of Michigan last month.
‘It’s obviously a bad situation, but I think people are letting it get to them a little too much. I know too many people who are absolutely paranoid about losing their jobs when they are not in the position to be so worried,? Turchyn said. ‘I think people need to look past the constant barrage of information and be a little less short-sighted. It’s not a permanent situation, and things will get better. The economy is driven by confidence. When the attitudes improve, the economy will go with them.?

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