Hoping in Hard Times: The Transformative Power of Hope in College Student Development

Abstract

Today’s college students are confronting one of the most difficult economic periods in decades. Declining job opportunities, increasing college costs and competition, and a future full of uncertainties make many of today’s college students fearful and some even despairing. At the same time, the recent national election of Barack Obama has sparked considerable optimism and hope among young people about new possibilities and opportunities for the future. Consequently, hope and fear are driving the emotions and expectations of college students unexpectedly today and will no doubt shape many of their choices and behaviors in the coming months. This article explores the central role of hope in the lives of college students today and considers what higher education can do to enhance the development of transformative hope, a sustaining and renewing form of hope in college student learning and development.

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