Teacher asked her Gen Z class about their future dreams, and there's one thing in common that left her heartbroken

If you recall what you wanted to be from the time you were a child, you’ll notice that you had the most colorful dreams, maybe an astronaut, a comedian, a firefighter and whatnot. As we grow, these dreams change. With reality setting in, we start chasing our passion and combine it with our effort to make it a dream career. A high school teacher named  Gibson (@gibsonishere) was heartbroken on learning that many Gen Z students have future dreams that are completely unexpected. They've forgotten their creativity and also their passion; instead, they are focused only on one aspect. 

Gibson explained that she has a project wherein she asks the youngsters what their biggest dream is. She even shared some vibrant examples. “Is your dream to be signed with the NFL? Win America’s Got Talent? Win a full scholarship to a university? Become the first brain surgeon at the age of 18? Win NASCAR?” she asked. Doing this exercise every year helped Gibson get an idea of how the generations were doing and what went on in their minds. Gibson explained that 10 years ago, a majority of the dreams were to go to college and earn a good education. 5 years ago, it was to become a doctor or nurse, and she assumed the pandemic to be the influence. 

Unfortunately, when she looked back on the answers in recent years, she was devastated to learn that the kids “had it rough.” “They’re growing up during a time where the youngest Gen Zs are seeing a world that does not have a hope in it,” Gibson noted. She was disheartened that this hopelessness was visible in their mindset and thus their answers. “Instead of dreaming of accomplishing things, they have dreams like, 'I won a billion dollars, I won a lottery,” she added. Sadly, a majority of the kids’ responses were money-minded, with most being about winning a lottery or suddenly having millions and billions. 

Fortune revealed that 7 in 10 Gen Zs can’t sleep because they’re so worried about money and becoming financially stable in this unpredictable world. According to a survey done by Amerisleep, 69% of Gen Zs lie awake thinking about money matters. 1 in 2 Americans reported loss of sleep due to money problems, and from this data, 52% accounted for the Generation Z. The financial burdens and frugal necessities are weighing them down physically and mentally. Gibson pointed out a handful who “wanted to cure cancer, get into a certain team.” But sadly, the rest wanted to “get money and get money quickly.” 

“We’ve lost the ability of our young people to dream of being something or doing something to succeed. Instead, what they see is exactly what the adults of the world have shown them — the only way you can survive is to have a lot of money. Forget hope, forget dreams, get cash,” the teacher shared. She was utterly disappointed in the stigma fed into the minds of the youngsters. Sharing a public message with adults, she urged them to offer hope and allow kids to dream. As for Gen Z, she encourages them to chase what they really love. @yidihisj3an said, “They’re all dreaming of winning because hard work doesn’t get you a living anymore.” @lotho083 added, “Of course they dream of money. $500 apartments and $800 cars don’t exist anymore but wages are identical or lower.” 

You can follow  Gibson (@gibsonishere)on TikTok for more content on education. 

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