American journalist Richard Cohen has written a great deal about American politics and social issues. He entered adulthood during a time when there were plenty of job opportunities and education was reasonably priced, according to one of his noteworthy life reflections. Cohen found that even though he had some debt when he graduated, it was manageable, enabling him to follow his love of journalism.

Cohen's statement depicts a time when young people could more readily enter their chosen fields of work without having to worry about crippling financial strain. He draws a comparison between this and the reality of today, where high tuition costs and challenging employment markets present major challenges for many recent graduates. According to Cohen, his generation was lucky enough to benefit from improved conditions, which allowed them to pursue their goals without being constrained by pressing financial issues.

To put it simply, picture two runners on different tracks at the beginning of a race. There are plenty of water stations along the well-kept course, which is where one runner begins. The other starts on a rough path with many challenges and much less equipment. Cohen's experience is similar to that of the first runner: it was uncomplicated and aided by advantageous circumstances that made it simpler for him to accomplish his objectives. The second runner stands in for today's graduates, who continue to strive despite more difficult obstacles.

This analogy demonstrates how historical context has a significant impact on the routes people take to achieve their career goals.