Electronic Writer

I was talking with a friend a while back–who had some interesting words about her generation.

She described her generation as the hardest-working, socially conscious, politically active group to hit the American shores. I loved that moment–seeing her idealism and her fervor. It remembered me of when I thought the same thing about myself and MY generation–about the time when I started college.

Today, we may count the number of e-mails you send to your Senator as a measure of activity. Ten years ago, it may have been the number of telephone calls you made in support of your measure. In the 60’s, however, before the advent of e-mail, activity levels may have been measured by the number of protests or marches attended. There is no real way to measure her assertion (or mine, when I made it).

That idealism, in my mind, is a vital part of the maturation process. As you leave the nest that your parents created for you, you get your first taste of your own strength and abilities to create change. Too young to feel trapped, it is YOUR responsibility to make changes in society. Perhaps later in your life you will lose the ability to make change–when your responsibilities overtake your time and life. Or, perhaps you may lose the desire to affect change. You may want to simply make money instead.

Whenever I see that idealism in someone I meet, I think of you, my friend. Your description was perfect.

Here’s to you and your generation, Katrina.