Listening to the Future

As the Alumni Relations Manager at MacLachlan College, I spend much of my time speaking with alumni from across the years. I listen to their stories, hear about their growth, and learn what they are stepping into or leaving behind.

We live in a time of rapid change. Technology is evolving fast. People are concerned about disconnection and overstimulation. But when I speak with our younger alumni, I don’t hear panic. I hear clarity. I hear intention.

Not long ago, an alum told me about an event she attended where phones were not allowed. No photos. No videos. Just music, movement, and presence. She described how freeing it was to be in a space where she could dance and express herself without the fear of being filmed or turned into content.

She and her friends are not rejecting technology. They are choosing how to use it. That sense of choice is something I am seeing more and more.

We talk a lot about screen time, digital habits, and the pressure to always be online. But when given the freedom to choose, many young people make thoughtful decisions. They want to feel connected, not consumed. They are setting boundaries and reclaiming their time. And in doing so, they are teaching the rest of us what it means to live with intention.

That wisdom flows both ways. One of the most meaningful parts of my role is witnessing the exchange of insight across generations. Alumni of all ages are sharing stories, offering support, and reminding one another that growth takes many forms.

I recently listened to a podcast featuring psychotherapist Esther Perel. She spoke about counterphobia,  the idea that we gather so much information in order to avoid uncertainty, and as a result, we stop taking risks. This leads to more anxiety, not less. But when people feel supported and part of a strong community, they are more likely to take those risks. Not because they are fearless, but because they feel safe enough to try.

That is exactly what I see happening in our MacLachlan community.

Our alumni are not afraid of failure. They take chances, explore new paths, and keep going even when things do not go as planned. They remind me that growth does not require perfection. It requires courage.

To every alum who has taken the time to share their journey with me - thank you. You have shown me how to listen more openly, how to let go of fear, and how to trust that we are going to be okay. Not because we have it all figured out, but because we are still willing to learn.

The next generation is not lost. They are evolving. And they are inviting us to grow with them, if we are willing to listen.

That is why our alumni network matters. It is not just a list of names or a schedule of events. It is a living community of connection and creativity. A place where alumni come together to share stories, take risks, and inspire one another to stay curious and courageous.

By staying involved, MacLachlan alumni help create the kind of trust that encourages every generation to move forward with purpose and hope.

Want to get involved? Join the MAC Alumni Network and help shape the future of our community. Whether you become a mentor, serve as an Alumni Ambassador, or speak at a MAC Alumni event, your experience can make a lasting impact.