Dear Future Leader: Advice for the Next Generation

Finish this sentence: Back in high school, I wish someone had told me...

For many of us, the answer comes from experience—often much later than we would have liked. Maybe it was an opportunity we didn't recognize at the time or a question we didn't know to ask.

For 60 years, Junior Achievement of Central Virginia has connected students with hands-on programs and caring volunteers who help them build financial skills and learn to make informed decisions. To mark this anniversary, we asked guests at all of this year's community events to share their hard-earned wisdom on an advice postcard addressed, "Dear Future Leader..."

We collected more than 60 thoughtful postcards from our community, including board members, staff, longtime volunteers, and professionals from banks, accounting firms, and universities across the region. Here are some of the takeaways from their advice. See the full gallery at the end, or click here to see it on Facebook.

Image caption: Marcy from ColonialWebb shares some advice around finding your passion.

Love the work, and let the road wander.

Nearly half of the cards submitted said some version of "do what you love." Several acknowledged that the road there, and even finding the road, may not be so straightforward. Cynthia, a longtime JA staff member, called it "meandering" and encouraged students to "go with it." Marcy with ColonialWebb wrote that you may find what you love "by doing something you don't love." Cheryl, a JACV board member with C&F Bank, put it this way: "You never know where life will take you, and that's ok!"

Image caption: Khalid with VA Lottery sharing the value of taking advantage of every opportunity.

Be your own biggest fan.

One in five cards focused on speaking up and finding a door to open. Kay with JA advised, "no one is saying your name in rooms you're not in...unless you give them a reason to!" Khalid at VA Lottery encouraged young people to say yes and "say YES again!" Chris from Merrill offered a practical starting point: ask for what you want, be it a shadowing opportunity, a job, or a volunteer spot.

Saving for later starts now.

Many community members stressed the value of saving money, with three in particular emphasizing that it is never too early to start. Nathan with Virginia Credit Union wrote, "start saving like your retirement is tomorrow." Carlos with Mechanicsville Army added a reminder to not forget the present while saving for the future: "Remember to enjoy life."

Stay human.

"In an AI world, being human is your super power. Step into it! We need you!" wrote Mailee at University of Richmond. Another card, written by a retired educator, encouraged students to master soft skills early, and YP Board member Shawn of First Citizens Bank advised them to "stay humble and kind."

Image caption: Days at JA Finance Park power discovery around careers, finances, and the value of starting early.

Sharing advice beyond the postcard

The advice on these cards comes from experience: what people learned about work, money, speaking up, and figuring things out along the way. At Finance Park, volunteers share some of that experience while students work through decisions of their own. During their hands-on field trip at Libbie Mill Library, each student chooses a career then builds a budget with the allotted salary. Volunteers sit with small groups as students work through the simulation, share their own stories, and talk through the choices in front of them.

“I wish I had prepared questions or even just had the bravery or courage to ask,” wrote Joshua, a student from Cristo Rey Richmond. Naiim from The Steward School remembered a volunteer who helped him think beyond the immediate answer: “The volunteer helping us didn’t just give answers. They asked questions that made me think harder.”

You don’t need to be a financial expert or an educator to volunteer. JA provides training and materials, and a volunteer day takes four to six hours. If you’re an adult who spends money, you’re qualified!

Think back to high school. What do you wish someone had told you? Bring that perspective to JA Finance Park.

Sign up for a JA Finance Park volunteer day: [Sign up through JotForm]