Specifically, I worry about whether the next generation will work as hard, be as smart or as successful as this one. 

I know that it’s a fear based on arrogance and ignorance.

For example, I’m just conceited enough to suspect that no student now studying broadcasting will be able to do what I do.  And, frankly, I’m not around enough young people to have a better understanding of what they are capable of.

That’s why it’s good for me to get out of the studio occasionally. 

Last week I hosted Talkline from Mountaineer Boys State leadership camp at Jackson’s Mill.  There I met many soon-to-be high school seniors.

One camper I talked with wants to be a filmmaker.  Another wants to become a lawyer and eventually be a judge.  A third hopes to teach history in the West Virginia public schools.

Yesterday, Talkline was at West Virginia Wesleyan where we awarded this year’s West Virginia Scholar prize.  Rachel White, 16, of Kenna received a four year tuition and fees scholarship to Wesleyan. 

White is a 4.0 student who wants to be a doctor.  She is active in her church, participates in the Ripley High band and visits a local nursing home. 

Another one of the scholar finalists is going to study to be an optometrist.  I talked with one finalist who plans to study biology. 

I also had a chance to visit with a Wesleyan junior who has a double major in computer science and business administration.

What strikes me about these young people is that they are so optimistic. 

They all sound as though they cannot wait to take their shot, even if they don’t exactly know yet what direction they want to head.   They have all this time in front of them to make their marks, as well as their mistakes.

I’m 54--middle aged.  Theoretically, I’m in my most productive years.  I may not get much better at what I do than I am now or make much more money than I make now. 

These are going to be my “good old days.” 

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not cashing in nor am I fading into the bitterness that can sometimes come with age as life’s unfulfilled hopes and dreams begin to mount. 

But what I believe I need to do is have a little more faith in the next generation and understand that at some point you hand off to those who will follow. 

If you are lucky.

In her recent retirement column, Newsweek’s Anna Quindlen referenced John Kennedy’s Inaugural Address where he spoke of the torch being passed to a new generation.  But, as Quindlen noted, “Torches don’t really get passed very much because people love to hold on to them.”

So often the next in line take what they believe is rightfully theirs. 

There is no real order to the succession.  Smart, engaged and technology-savvy youth may skip what older people believe is the conventional chain and force their way into our spaces.

That’s why it’s good for me spend time around bright high school and college students. It makes me feel more secure about the future of our state, our nation and our world. 

And it also helps prepare me for when I have to step aside, whether I like it or not.