Failure to Launch

This past December, Lyndon celebrated the graduation of 46 students and sent them off with the skills they need for the real world.

Excited and eager to engage in the work force these graduates soon were faced with the harsh reality of the current economy.

 "The job hunt has been a little hard, the economy is terrible but I'm hopeful," said Nora Barney, a recent graduate of the music business and industry department. "My advice to students would be to keep going after what you want; graduating can be scary and stressful but just keep going after what you want in all aspect of life."

According to a report by The Economist this past fall, the unemployment rate for 15 to 24 year olds is almost 20 percent, much higher than the national unemployment average of about 9 percent. This epidemic the country faces is truly troublesome and is leading to more and more students to move back home with their parents.

 Lindsey Profenno, a recent graduate of the electronic journalism arts program, has done just that.

"Since graduating, I've moved home and am working part time jobs until I get a TV break. I've sent out about 45 demo reels, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will get a call back soon," said Profenno.

 Despite the hardships, these students are still very active and optimistic in their future. While many are crippled by student debt and unemployment, their advice to students seems to be the same. Profenno concluded by saying that she would tell students to enjoy every minute of college and to never give up on their dreams.

Dave Marks, also a recent graduate of the electronic journalism arts department is taking a different approach than the typical college graduate. Marks is currently working part time as a substitute teacher, and opening a stand at a local flea market in Connecticut.

"Most people ask me what I am doing by opening my own booth at a flea market. I see it that I am young and that I enjoy meeting people every day, and with this small business venture I am able to do just that," said Marks.