Five Europe 2012 Grads Testimony

Athina Prassa in Athens mastered English in four years studying at a private

university. It’s a skill that may not help her much as she hunts for work while hard-right thugs roam her blighted neighborhood.

Lucy Nicholls in London graduated from fashion school brimming with optimism. It took just a week for real life to step in: She fell victim to a scam that left her broke and desperate for work.

Rafael Gonzalez del Castillo in Madrid has pulled countless all-nighters to win a degree in his passion, architecture, just as Spain’s building bust has littered the country with abandoned buildings.

Moira Koffi in Paris left her widowed mom in Normandy for “bohemian life” at the Sorbonne. Now the communications grad is heading into the real world.

Lutz Henschel in Berlin graduated near the top of his class with a degree in electrical engineering in Europe’s top economy. Since January he’s sent out nearly 40 applications, and is still chasing his dream of working in renewable energies.

Meet AP’s Class of 2012: five talented and vibrant university graduates who face a rocky future as they emerge from the cocoon of student life and head into the worst economic crisis Europe has seen since the end of World War II, one that threatens to engulf an entire generation.

They’re excited. They’re scared. They’re full of hope. And full of uncertainty…

via The Associated Press: Class of 2012: 5 Europe grads face rocky future.