The Life of a Gen Z College Student

I see articles expand on what Millennials ruin everyday, but I rarely see any analysis on Generation Z. I'm just a few years short of being considered a millennial. Because of this, I have been able to see the stark differences between these two generations. As a college student on the verge of graduation I can see the commonalities as well.

I grew up being told that in America you can be what ever you dream to be. We have the freedom to be make our careers what ever we choose. Unfortunately, the older became, and the closer I got to my high school graduation I realized that that was far from the truth. Growing up with African parents might have influenced this more, but I saw myself being pushed into the sciences field from every avenue. Luckily, I was blessed with the talent of picking up equations in math and understanding scientific concepts, but I always wondered: "What about the people who don't excel in those areas?"

In a perfect world, it would make logical sense to try and diversify what is considered 'good work' because at the end of the day, we all need teachers, cooks, artists, writers, scientists, etc. I always wondered why all I ever heard was: "If you want to make money be a doctor," "lawyers make tons, have you considered that?" "You can be an artist if you want to be homeless." I could go on and on for days with the statements I was inundated with growing up, but that would take years. All of these statements contradicted what we were told was the "American Dream." The idea that you can have your dream career and still be able to afford all the luxuries you desire.

The unique thing about Generation Z and Millennials is that we both realized that the "American Dream" will never be attainable, at least not in this economic climate. We no longer have the social programs that helped past generations stay away from debt. Corporations have taken over because we were brainwashed into believing that a "free market" is the answer to our economic woes. We both share an undeniable cynicism that previous generations never needed. We watched our parents being able to afford new cars, houses, vacations, and so much more growing up and now that we're there all we are left with is crippling debt.

I am one year away from graduating with an English degree and I have so many anxieties swarming through my mind daily. Should I give in and go for a career that will ensure me more money? Should I follow my passions and cultivate my own idea of work? Or should I just settle for a low paying mediocre lifestyle? I don't want to think about these things, but it is the reality I live in. It's the reality most American students live in now. With this generational cynicism, hopefully we can put good use to it.

#life #college #millennials #generationz #opinion