A STUDY OF UNDERLYING VARIABLES AFFECTING ASPIRATIONS OF RURAL ADOLESCENTS

Aspirations are comprised of two major components--inspiration and amb ition. Ambitions represents the ability to look ahead and invest in th e future. Inspiration can be described as the ability to invest the ti me, energy, and effort to reach those ambitions. Variables such as how and why students spend their time illustrate the dynamics of these tw o components. The data in this report are based on the responses to th e Aspirations Survey of 2,677 eighth-to twelfth-grade students from se ven rural schools in Maine. The data suggest that many students have n o understanding of why they engage in certain activities. If students are to be responsible for their education and more importantly for the mselves, they must see purpose in their pursuits.