As AI and technology reshape education and careers, parents are asking what skills will matter most. Curiosity, creativity, empathy and adaptability may be more important than ever.

“Do you think colleges will go away?” Jasmin, my friend (and across-the-street neighbor), asked me a few Saturdays ago. We had just finished sweating buckets in Monica’s athletic training class at the gym, and were catching up over a protein-rich breakfast and one treat each: big, lush cups of creamy tea.

“What do you mean,” I sputtered, choking a bit on the cinnamon floating across my tea. “How can colleges just” — I thrust my cup to the right of my face — “go away?”

Unthwarted, Jasmin dug her fork into her scrambled eggs. “Well, everything is so remote now — and getting more so. Plus, there’s AI everywhere. And the kids are spending all this time and money on college, but the jobs — the careers they thought they’d have — just aren’t there. They’re feeling like, ‘What’s it all for?’”

Slowly, I returned my teacup to the table, nodding resignedly. It’s always a good idea to talk to parents whose kids are older than yours. It gives you a kind of crystal-ball glimpse into your own parenting future. Jasmin’s daughter is a recent college grad, and her son is a college senior. My son just entered his sophomore year of college.

When Jasmin and I bought our homes within a month of each other in 2015, our sons were in elementary school, a time when the question she asked me at the café was unthinkable. Back then, we were obsessed with getting them into the best middle and high schools we could. While navigating the K-12 system has long been a struggle, college always seemed a given.

Now, as we consider the long-term impacts of this current tech age, parents of kids of all ages are asking: Just what should our children be learning? What skills will matter five, 10, 20 years from now?

When our editorial staff gathered to plan this year’s education magazine, we recognized a theme steaming up from our own concerns and those of the people we know and serve: Even when we feel unsettled about the future (education, careers, politics), we will always believe that nurturing qualities such as curiosity, adaptability, empathy and creativity in our children will anchor them come what may.

So, steep yourself a cup of tea and sink into these stories: Advice on how to help your kids navigate major school transitions, hone human qualities AI can never replace and build confidence beyond the “like” button. Check out our interview with Angel City FC Team Captain Sarah Gorden and her son Caiden, plus a whimsical roundup of fall events and our annual Inclusive L.A. guide for young people of diverse abilities.

It is all very human. Very L.A.

Cassandra Lane is Editor in Chief of L.A. Parent.