Over the last several months, the national economic news seems to keep getting worse.

Unemployment numbers are lagging indicators, meaning those numbers don’t improve until well after the drivers behind them improve.

But still, the numbers are depressing — especially for those who are just entering the work force.

For the hundreds of graduates in the area this year — both from high schools and colleges — they’re stepping into uncertain times.

But they must take solace in the fact that other generations have faced such tight job markets before and our country has survived. Actually, some amazing things can happen during recessions.

Entrepreneurism can spring forth amazing opportunities for graduates. In the recession in the 1970s, some of today’s dominating companies were formed in garages and basements around the country.

Our area’s cost of living is low compared to other parts of the country, and thus opportunities for homegrown success are high.

Look no further than successful local companies such as Callon Petroleum and Bad Boy Buggies as examples of companies who have become national figures based on hard work and good ideas.

For the non-entrepreneurs out there, many students may opt to further their education with graduate and doctoral studies.

That’s a great opportunity, too, as a better educated work force can only improve our country’s long-term future.

Regardless of the avenue graduates choose to pursue, we hope that more of them will figure out a way to make a living in the Miss-Lou, where we appreciate what they can offer the community.