1. We maintain an open mind.
20 something year olds love to dream. They train their mind, body and soul to think about who they want to become. They do not limit themselves to the possibilities and confinements of their immediate surroundings. I mean for God's sakes, we are creating the foundation where "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." Thank you, Walt Disney, for always believing in us when others didn't.
2. We are accepting and universal.
Unlike the old fashioned folk in American society, us 20 something year olds are a very accepting and universal group of individuals. There is a disgust in looking up to the people ahead of us in the world that are so narrow minded and unaccepting to the new conformities of society. Wake up people! We all live in the same world so mine as well make it a good one instead of one of displeasure and segregation.
3. We may sleep, but we are not lazy.
So college students like to sleep. It's okay get over it. But, do not mistaken enjoying some shuteye for laziness. We are growing; we are learning and taking on more responsibilities each year. We show up on time, we are dedicated in the work we do and show that we love it even when we may not. When everyone is usually sleeping into the late hours of the night and early morning, we are up, at the library, at our kitchen tables, at our desks with the lamps on, coffee to our right and headphones in our ears to stay focused and up to get the hours and hours of work done that is expected of us.
4. We work hard to play hard.
Yes, do not be surprised or oblivious to the fact that 20 something year olds like to have a good time on the weekends. And when you hit 30, 40, etc., you deserve just as much fun. We hang out with our friends, go out and dance all night to leave the distractions of the everyday busy life to let loose and show ourselves why we do what we do. We get our work done so that we can enjoy the other things life offers us. You should too, maybe even take a lesson or two from us!
5. We have a zest to travel.
One of the most amazing opportunities college can afford students is the experience of studying abroad. There should be no surprise to the fact that many universities are ranked high on the charts for the amount of students who study abroad. When can students take a semester to travel to the far corners of Southeast Asia or walk the streets of Europe, take a safari through the African savannah or feed a kangaroo in the South Pacific? 20 something year olds have an adrenaline in them to explore the world and be adventurous, discover themselves and make land marking strides in a new found appreciation for our world.
6. We immerse in new cultures.
Please excuse us while we travel the world, we will be back in a few months or next year! We love the American way, but we are yearning for something more, something wholesome- a new experience, a new delicacy, meditating with the monks in India. 20 something year olds want to sit down in the villages of Thailand and learn about the people who work effortlessly to make a living. Students in New Zealand are sharing a hangi feast with the Maori people. Why do we do it? Because our parents have given us the opportunity to explore cultures separate from our own. Thanks, mom and dad!
7. We need direction and guidance.
We learn from our idols, parents, elders, etc. We need the guidance and direction to help us on our journey. We are confused individuals at this time. There is a lot coming at us and pressures that try to keep us down. But we get up. Why? Because we are guided and need the guidance and direction to keep us up and moving. Tough love? Sure. A hug? Why not. A kick in the butt? Thank you.
8. We succeed from our predecessors.
Just as much as we need guidance and direction, we're watching!!! We are looking at those that have come before us. What did they do right? What can I do differently? How can I be unique? We would not be able to have any type of foundation or clarity without watching those who are in the positions we eventually want to be in.
9. We stress out, but we are eager to learn.
No matter how much people try to tell us there is nothing to be stressed or anxious about because we are "too young", well news flash you are wrong. Just because we may not have to pay the electrical bill yet, and some actually do, we still have our own responsibilities to worry about. Getting our schoolwork done, getting outstanding grades on some of the hardest exams, attaining healthy lifestyles, getting involved to show we are not just bookworms. Hello! There is a reason why we are until 3am every night- so that we can be responsible individuals for tomorrow.
10. Don’t mistake new and young for careless and unprofessional.
You see pictures on Facebook; yes we should be careful about what is posted. We tweet what is on our beautiful minds. You see them downtown. You may have saw them at the wrong time. That does not mean that we are like that 24/7. We are young. We make mistakes and need to learn from them. Did you see the 22 year old in a business meeting on Monday morning at 8am with the hair nicely done and the outfit more professional then most? We are not careless and unprofessional. We know the time and place.
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