The year is 2119. I am 119 years old, thanks to cutting-edge medical technology. Following my afternoon jog, I decide to take my flying car to pick up my great-grandchildren from school. I arrive a bit early at the middle school, so I allow the robot valet to park my car for me. Utilizing the fingerprint sensor, the gate opens and I am greeted by x-ray metal detectors. “Man”, I think to myself. “This is different than middle school school back in 2013–at least I know the kids are safe now!”. Once I have successfully passed through the x-ray machine, I stop one of the robots hovering around campus. “Which way to the science building?”, I ask him. Without missing a beat, the robot points me to the biggest building on campus. The outside is adorned with the technology of yesterday: touchscreen cell phones, plug-in cars, and pitifully large earbuds. It is funny now to think how modern and must-have those items used to be. Stepping inside, I am greeted by three long conveyor belts, which move slowly upstairs and through hallways. These days, kids do not even have time to walk for themselves! I ride the conveyor belt to the engineering classroom, where my great-grandson sits. Each child in the classroom sits in front of a 3D computer, with images protruding from the translucent screen. It appears they are following a tutorial on how to program personal robots. I remember the days when teachers stood in front of classrooms, and students used papers and pencils to write answers. My great-grandson looks busy, so I hop back on the belt and travel to the animal science classroom, where my great-granddaughter spends her time. Peering inside the classroom, I notice her concentrated gaze. She is watching two of her classmates clone a small puppy. I recall her telling me about the technology that allows them to cross chromosomes and replicate genetic codes, without risking health complications for either animal. Waiting until the new puppy is alive and well, I step into the classroom. “You ready to get going?”, I ask Xena. “Of course, Z-ma!”. She runs over to me, and I give her a big hug. No technology can replace the comfort of a grandmother’s arms, and I feel confident that none ever will.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Susanna Talley. I am a sophomore at Simpson University, where I study Psychology. Originally I am from St. Louis, Missouri, but now I reside in Watsonville, California. I am passionate about helping others, my faith, and working with children. In my spare time, I enjoy eating and drinking coffee, playing soccer, and watching Netflix.
What has been your best experience in school?
My best experience in school was taking the AP language class my high school offered. The teacher was legendary across campus for being the most difficult, and it was definitely a challenging first semester. However, I was grown and stretched as a writer which ended in so much growth as a a student and learner.
What influenced your choice in major?
I love people, and want nothing more than to enter a profession in which I can help others. I have a special interest in childhood disorders such as anxiety and depression. I have seen my friends and family be affected by mental health issues, and I want to make the lives of people like them better. Furthermore, my high school counselor made a positive impact in my life and I would love to do the same for other students in the future.
How do you envision yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to be pursuing a graduate degree. Although I have not decided whether it will be in Social Work or School Counseling, I look forward to figuring out my next steps. In the mean time, I hope to continue finding meaningful experiences from my education, including internships. Because I am graduating a semester early, I would love to travel abroad by myself at some point.
What do you hope to learn from your school experience?
Of course, learning job skills and obtaining information is important to me. Yet, I feel that college is bigger than that. I hope to learn how to interact with diverse groups of people, learn better communication skills, and invest in my community. These skills are more important to me than any textbook information.
What extracurricular activities do you enjoy?
Apart from my rigorous academic schedule, I enjoy working as an Admissions Counselor Assistant at my school. I also enjoy eating, reading good books, journaling, and spending time in nature. During my summers, I spend eight weeks working as a camp counselor at a local sleep-away camp. I also love to spend quality time with my family and friends.
