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My son just graduated. What advice would you give him?

Nicole Russell   Paste BN

My son graduated from high school over the weekend. It was a happy occasion for all of us. The milestone made me reflect on Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012.  

Research shows they are the most “anxious generation to date,” something I’ve seen with my own Gen Z kids.  

In 2023, Business Insider partnered with YouGov for a survey of Gen Z youth. The survey found they are torn between favoring capitalism or socialism. About 42% were worried about artificial intelligence, and 28% were optimistic about AI. Traveling and personal fulfillment were more important than education, but they’re also concerned about financial security and worried about saving money.  

Gen Z claims to care about social responsibility but fewer voted in 2024 than in 2020. More of them cast their ballot for Kamala Harris than Donald Trump.  

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It sounds like an old-fashioned war between values and desires, which is common among young people. I also want to save money but go on vacation. It takes time, experience and mistakes to learn how to align values with behavior. 

That’s why it’s good for younger generations to heed advice from previous generations. Many family members and friends have offered nuggets of wisdom to my son during his graduation. Things like, “be prepared to fail,” “always keep God first” and “don’t allow yourself to cut corners.”  

I have offered a few of my own. Vote is one. Work hard and be nice is another thing my family says often.  

Despite the prevalence of news and social media focused on world events, when it comes to advice, most people dial in on small but important habits that reflect their values. Things like “smile and be friendly” and “keep a positive attitude.”  

I wondered what my readers might say to my son and the class of 2025. What nuggets of experience and wisdom would you suggest if you were embarking into the world now? Let me know at nrussell@gannett.com.

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