Wednesday, December 10, 2025

What to tell your rising senior about AI and their future

 

Reposted from Substack:
 Subscribe here for more

A letter to teens about AI and jobs

Some practical advice about what you should to be on the right side of disruption

 
READ IN APP
 

Episode six in our YouTube series, “Raising Kids in the Age of AI” focused on “Preparing kids for careers in an AI world.” It’s by far the most popular. That episode was tailored to parents, but I decided that I want to write something directly for the kids themselves on the topic. After all, Gen Z is probably more clued in to the growing chorus about the impact of AI on jobs than anyone else.

A note to parents and educators: This letter is written directly to teens—specifically a rising senior in high school—but it applies to anyone wondering how to make decisions about their future. If you have a young person in your life navigating these questions, consider sharing this with them. Or read it yourself; the framing might help you give better advice. Either way, I hope it’s useful.

Here’s the TL;DR:

AI is real and will massively disrupt the job market right as you’re starting your career. But every industrial revolution has created more jobs than it destroyed. The key is being on the right side of the transition. The old playbook is dead: “pick the ‘safe’ major, follow the predictable path. Instead,

Saturday, December 6, 2025

STEM activities for kids during school breaks:

At Virginia Tech we regularly hear about, or are asked about how to engage kids in learning during breaks away from the rigor of school.  Here is a list of DC Area things parents or older siblings can do to involve kids in everyday research and planning tasks that help them realize their research and problem-solving abilities:

STEM Activities for the Breaks and Holidays

For any of the following, a great way to help students develop executive function skills and STEM habits of Mind include having them take leadership in the following:

  • Planning the itinerary/schedule

  • Background research

  • Prepare a budget for the day (food, transportation, admissions, etc.)

  • Identifying “must-see” or “must-do” options

  • Weather and Safety 

  • Older kids taking responsibility for younger kids

Natural Areas

  1. George Washington Memorial Parkway

    1. Potomac Heritage Trail - Roosevelt Island to Cabin John Bridge (Lone Oak Drive)

    2. Shorter hikes at 

      1. Windy Run

      2. Donaldson Run 

      3. Gulf Branch

      4. Chain Bridge 

      5. Turkey Run

      6. Langley Forest