In this past election, the only voices heard were the ones whose votes counted. Now with the election out of the way, teen’s futures are riding on this presidency more then ever. So the question is, how do they think the country’s decision in this election will shape their future?

President Barack Obama won the presidency last Tuesday, committing him to a second term. With his policies being left wing, high schoolers views and lives will be affected by his legislation in their upcoming years.

“Recently students fresh out of college have been having a really hard time paying off their debts and getting a job,” senior Riley Horeska “I’m worried that nothing will change with Obama in office. I don’t want that to be the same for me. I want to be able to get a steady job and pay off any loans I may have.”

Obama’s legislation includes more rights for woman as far as pro-choice decisions in abortion, birth control, Planned Parenthood and equal pay in jobs. He wants to put an end to the health insurance practice of charging women more then men for the same coverage.

“Obama was really big on education and since I’ll be going to college in the future that’s one reason why I support him,” sophomore Ashley Palmer said. “I’m also a big supporter of him because of social issues and woman’s rights. I agree more with Obama when it comes to that.  Since I’m growing up that will affect me more.”

Although some teens agree with Obama’s views, others believe his second term will cause road bumps and errors in shaping their future.

“Since Obama has won the election and due to the healthcare reform he is going to pass, I have decided to not pursue a career in healthcare because of the pay-cuts he is going to have,” senior Jake T Prosser said. “The reform Obama is doing in healthcare will be a different program which will cause me to not make as much money as I could have. Instead I am going to pursue a career in engineering.“

With another four years under Obama’s belt and a Democratic victory in the Senate and a Republican victory in the House of Representatives, Obama’s legislation has an open opportunity to pass with his liberal views.

“I really like the way he ran the United Stands in the past four years,” senior Joshua Smith said. “I feel like his policies are good and they just need time to expand so they can get to what he wanted them to be in the first place.” 

As a teen, some work jobs during the summer and throughout the year. Even if they are a minor, if they are 16 they can be charged with income taxes. Any teen with a job will be affected by Obama’s plans for income taxes and healthcare and insurance plans for companies.

“When I have a summer job, if a company has more then 50 employees then they have to offer healthcare,” senior Dana Schmich said. “That will probably lower the amount of full time employees a place hires. “

Although teens could not vote in this election, any minor in high school now will be able to vote in the next election. Then their voice and opinion will really count. After all, the teens of today will be the ones running for president decades from now.

 by Catherine Festa

photos by Mallory Houser

Facts pertaining to Barack Obama’s presidency and views that were included in this article were found at Obama’s website, www.barackobama.com