Their parents aspired to becoming teachers, mechanical engineers, accountants, maybe medical or business professional or two.

But a generation later, look at some of the college majors our latest graduates intend to pursue: bioengineering, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, microbiology, aerospace engineering, occupational therapy, information technology management and audiology, to name just a few.

The class of 2014 is about to enter a brave new world, a world largely of their own making.

Technology will take this generation into tiny worlds of ever-tinier detail. They’ll study the basic building blocks of life, DNA and genomes, and will unlock secrets about health and disease. New cures and longer, healthier lives will spring from their research.

Others will develop and refine new sources of energy. They’ll tap into safer, cleaner and more abundant forms of energy. Their work will lead to another industrial renaissance, spurred by the availability of limitless energy and instantaneous information.

Cultural and educational breakthroughs await the class of 2014. Music, art, philosophy, literature, drama and other humanities will undergo dynamic changes as new information becomes available at an ever-faster pace.

Some pessimists might say there are no new opportunities in a stagnant world; the dreams and plans of our newest graduates say otherwise. Many will go on to universities to pursue careers that didn’t even exist when they were born. Some will help create and perfect technologies their parents and grandparents never dreamed of. Others will go places, see things and create products and services previously unheard of.

Of course, there are many graduates who will take a more traditional route: A home and family of their own, a steady job, participation in their work, their union, political party, church and social circles. Community will never become outdated and, in fact, can be the greatest adventure of all. There is no life so noble as the that dedicated to family and hometown; no thrill so great as being a parent or grandparent.

And the parents and grandparents of this class must be proud of their graduates. It’s time to pass the baton and entrust our children to take charge of their world. May their own children and grandchildren see and seize the fresh opportunities that will await them.

Many congratulations to the graduating classes, their families, their teachers and administrators. Make the most of your opportunities.