Generation We

"Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known." ~ Ronald Reagan

There is a rumor running rampant, and I'm not sure who started it. The rumor is that the Millenials - those of us born between the '90s and '00s - are apathetic.

For those of you unfamilar with this claim, let me fill you in. They say we are the "Me" Generation, that we are clueless, digitalized, and we just. Don't. Care.

I humbly - and you might, too - disagree.

Honestly, I believe we do care. I believe we can change the world. Most of all, I believe that ours is a generation of leaders. But I think we often feel lost and lack the tools or the mentorship to make real change.

The best thing about that is this - we can kill two birds with one stone. (Which, I realize, is an awful metaphor considering the picture I just posted, but go with it).

To be able to enact real change, we need to respect and get the buy-in of the generations before us. We need to learn from their mistakes and wisdom, too. See? Two birds. If those in authority feel honored by us, they are more likely to listen to us, and we, in turn, benefit from the years of experience they have to share.

Ageism. Mutual disdain. It is a disease. As someone who spent the last two years working in depth with high school students, now working with seniors (both careers in education), I may be putting myself at risk saying this, but...

In my limited experience? There is very little difference between them. People are people. I don't care what age you are. The essence, the soul is almost exactly the same. We all crave acknowledgement. We all want to be listened to. And none of us just want to exist on the sidelines.

It's time to stand up and not allow ourselves to be defined by what people think we are. Let's be who we are meant to be. Leaders of today, tomorrow, and the next day.

We are not apathetic. We have not forgotten the past. We realize our own shortcomings and we want more than just existence. We will change the world for the better. Not as Generation "Me," but as Generation We.