I wrote the following journal for a Theory of Knowledge end-of-the-year class assignment, to which my teacher suggested I turn into an article for The Millennial Times. Because of the length, I decided to separate it into three different articles based on the topic. So, lots of edits and adjustments later, here’s 2016: Part III. To read the first and second part, click here and here.
The creation of this website led to a much deeper understanding of what millennials think and how they’re treated. Our generation was described in a Time magazine article as the “Me, Me, Me Generation”, with other Time articles telling us to move over, as it’s time for the iGen to shine in the spotlight. Now, some of us truly may be ignorant, narcissistic, and selfish; however, every single generation has those types of people. I for one know plenty of students in my grade level that far surpass the intelligence level of some of the adults in my life. It’s unfair to immediately call out an entire group of people for the actions of a few, especially when the clear majority is truly educated and live with incredible potential to become world leaders. Many call us “unmotivated”, but can you blame us? We’re going to take over a broken world led by those who couldn’t care less about their children living amongst angst and war. Why should anyone choose to suffer through this challenge? Either way we are a group of intelligent people with our moral compasses set in the general right direction. Personally, I wouldn’t have chosen to live in my parents’ or my kids’ generation, because I enjoy a challenge. I am happy to dedicate my life to change to achieve that impossible utopia.
I anticipate living on a planet where morals no longer exist, our political compass is broken, finances have hit rock bottom, and the environment has imploded or is about the implode – because of the choices generations before us made. In that time, it will be our generation that will be in charge – not Gen X or “iGen”, but the millennial generation. We will fight the fight and win the war, and we will fight to the end. Our position is so unique, and we have to use it to move the world along, push civilization forward and serve the social good. I want my children to live in a healed world, at home, in a nation we made, and I want them to be proud of their country. I don’t work for myself; I work for my future family, and I work for others’ future families. They deserve to bask in the beauty we call Earth. They deserve to be happy – I deserve to happy.
And with that, I end my reflection. I’m happy to say I found myself in high school, and I know who I am. My next step is trying to find who I want to be, and how that can fit into society. No matter what lies in it, I’m optimistic for my future, because whatever happens, I will be able to adapt, survive, and thrive.
Thakur is the creator of The Millennial Times.