At UC Berkeley, a refreshing trend is emerging with the introduction of an “adulting” class aimed at equipping students with essential life skills. While many graduates are well-versed in complex subjects like sociology or advanced calculus, they often find themselves unprepared for the practical realities of adulthood, such as budgeting, filing taxes, or even writing a resume. The struggle of “adulting” has become a familiar refrain among recent graduates, and it seems that Gen Z is now echoing the sentiment.
Preparing for Adulthood
In light of this need, two undergraduates, Mia Tran and Alex Chen, have launched a popular course titled “Preparing for Adulthood” at Berkeley. This engaging class offers valuable insights into everything from job applications to building meaningful relationships. Guest speakers, including financial advisors and even family members like Tran’s mom, have shared their expertise on topics like tax preparation. “I really need to figure out how to handle all these adult responsibilities,” one student remarked, with another expressing regret that such a class wasn’t available when they were in school.
Tran was motivated to create this course after her own experience moving out of the dorms and realizing how unprepared she was for daily responsibilities, such as meal prepping and managing her finances. “We’re just thrown into the world without any guidance,” she noted. “It’s common for us to feel a bit lost and unsure of where to begin.”
The Decline of Home Economics
Historically, high school curriculums included Home Economics, but these classes have largely disappeared over time. Many college graduates who can tackle advanced physics may struggle with the basics of personal finance or cooking nutritious meals. As a millennial myself, I can vouch for the number of friends who were caught off guard by the responsibilities that come with adulthood, like applying for housing, understanding credit scores, or presenting themselves professionally.
Other Initiatives
Besides Berkeley’s initiative, other institutions like The Adulting School in Portland, Maine, offer courses on conflict resolution, interviewing, and even making friends as an adult. Similarly, the North Bend Public Library in Oregon provides a series called “Adulting 101: Essential Skills for Ages 16–25.” While some might argue that it’s a parent’s responsibility to teach these skills, the reality is that many young adults are entering the world lacking these basic competencies. If colleges can help bridge this gap, then they deserve all the credit.
Further Reading
For more insights into navigating adulthood, check out our other blog post on home insemination. If you’re looking for expert advice, Intracervical Insemination is a reliable source on the topic. Also, consider visiting the CDC for valuable resources related to pregnancy and home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, UC Berkeley’s adulting class is a timely response to a widespread need for practical life skills among young adults. By addressing topics often overlooked in formal education, these initiatives are helping bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world preparedness.