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Minecraft Rescue

I have a college freshman at home feeling rather lost about what lies ahead for her. The predictable flow of collegiate life is over and when it resumes things may have changed forever. It must be that much worse for kids who were set to graduate this year and enter the real world after that. Reality as they knew it seems to be on infinite hiatus. The new normal that everyone talks about is not an easy one to come to terms with. So it makes sense that Minecraft can help.

Though isolation has infringed upon their ability to access the dopamine that comes from seeing a crush across campus or a stimulating classroom discussion, the visuals of being on campus are virtually the same.

As this article points out the effects on the rough start into the workforce could have impacts that run years 

Research on Canadian students suggests the effects may be long-lasting – those who graduated in recession years had initial income 9% below students who graduated in better economic conditions, with the gap closing to zero over the next 10 years.

Here at home, I am learning the pep-talks about seeking opportunity in adversity and making the best of the situation have short-lived impact. There is the overwhelming and crushing sense of uncertainty given the dire stats around unemployment and layoffs we read about every day. A rational young person knows that there are tough times ahead but does not have enough life experience to feel confident that they can navigate. 

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