My generation is commonly referred to as the “Millennials” (see also, “self-centered”, “over confident”, “entitled”, etc.) Roughly born between 1980-2000, the core of this generation is in their early 20’s-early 30’s. By this time most of us have likely held a variety of jobs, studied a variety of things, and most of us hold a passport with its fair share of stamps.
While we don’t know everything and are not the most experienced, I believe we care; we wan’t to learn, explore, feel, grow. Yes, commitment to a job, person, or place may not be our strong point, but please don’t tell me that I’m automatically apathetic and unmotivated. I am not saying that just because your resume is longer and you have delved into a variety of studies, jobs, and volunteer opportunities that you are better in any way. I truly respect and am so blessed and humbled by the fact that I even have the opportunity to dabble in my chosen desires, passions, and interests.
Why am I bringing this subject or debate up again?
Global Health Corps is currently selecting the next class of fellows and I’m pumped to see the the vast and varied amount of experience, education, and skills of the applicant pool; especially as this is the largest number of applicants in GHC history. We seek to find a “corps” group of 21-30 year old’s who are passionate about and agree on one core belief:
“Health is a human right.”
I would expand this even further to say that health, education, and love are all human rights, and rather directly correlate to each other. Desmond Tutu said, “A person is a person through other persons.” We are all intrinsically and deeply connected to each other, as the world functions in a continuum of human interactions.
I am not naive to the fact that as resumes and applications go, the aim is typically to sound like the most qualified, experienced, over-achieving and yet wonderful person possible. Regardless, at the end of the day these applicants are pretty impressive. We (as fellows and young people, in general) cannot possibly address every health or social inequity, but we want to be a part of leaving this world a better place than we found it, even if we are only a small group of people from many ages and generations from all over the world.
At the end of the day I hope my generation is judged by the people we impacted, the change we enacted, and the relationships we built. I apologize that many of us struggle to lift our heads from the iPhone firmly grasped in our hands, or hear you through the headphones squished in our ears. However, please consider that maybe I am reading BBC or my daily devotional or listening to a book on tape instead of simply seeing how many “Likes” my most recent Facebook post got (although, sorry I do that sometimes as well). But please also know that I am aware that people and human interaction/recognition will always be much more important, fulfilling, and vital than anything that could possibly be on my phone or within technology, in general.
I know I can’t speak for everyone in this generation, there are absolutely exceptions on both sides of the “Millennial” spectrum, for better and for worse. We have a lot to work on and should never think that we are in any position to stop learning. But I if nothing else, I am incredibly proud of the fact that I am part of this “Millennial” group doing something to fight for the person, fight for equity and the basic human rights we all deserve (whether these are being addressed domestically or abroad, both supremely are equal and important).
Oh and one more thing, thanks Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa/extended family/friends, etc. who have paved the way before me. I truly wouldn’t even be in the position to write this without you; YOU rock.