Tony Liang Essays (764 words) - Demography, Demographics

Tony Liang Prof. Landau English 1A-76 15 September 2015 Millennials Just Need a Chance: A Profile For California State Assembly The future generation of America is here! Millennials, ranging from age 18 to 33, are gradually making their way to adulthood. This distinctive group is by far the most educated, diverse, ambitious, and optimistic to step foot on American soil. Likewise, this generation is also the first in two generations to experience higher levels of student debt, unemployment, and poverty. Millennials are also referred to as "digital natives" by the older generation. Their obsession with the internet upon their finger-tips inevitably makes them too reliant on technology in their everyday lives. Although Millennials are dependent on technology, they are profoundly intelligent and are eager to secure a successful future, therefore they should be given a work-study grant as an opportunity to access higher education and a head-start in their financial future. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" (Mandela). Millennials today are the most educated and ambitious generation of all time. A whooping 34% of the population have at least a bachelor's degree. However, in recent years, the level of student loan debts has grown exponentially. About 69% of recent college graduates had taken out loans to pay for their education, and many struggle to find in their intended field. According to PEW research center, the average amount of cumulative student debt for their undergraduate education increased from $12,434 for the class of 1992-93 to $26,885 for the class of 2011-12 after adjusting for 2 inflation. It is not just students from low income families that are taking out loans; students from higher income homes saw a faster increase in borrowing. The goal of pursuing higher education is to enable people to contribute to society and push for economic growth, not burying them in a mountain of debt. The effects of the 2008 financial crisis still persist and exacerbated the problem. PEW research found that Millennials are low on social trust; however, they are optimistic about the future. When asked, "Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted or that you can't be too careful in dealing with people," only 19% of Millennials say most people can be trusted, compared with 31% of Silent and 40% of Boomers according to PEW Research Center. The reason for such low levels of trust for their peers is because Millennials are increasingly comprised of minority groups and face greater economic hardships. Median income for today's Millennials are about $35,000 , which is essentially the same as the early Boomers generation in 1979. Also, painfully slow recovery from the 2008 recession hit the experience-lacking Millennials especially hard compared to older generations with more working-experience. The average span it takes for a Millennial actively seeking employment is 27 weeks, which is more than double the amount of time it took for the early Boomers generation. Despite all of this, Millennials are by the most optimistic generation about the future of this nation. Pew Research found that eight in ten say they can make enough money in the future to live the lives they desire. This generation is battle-hardened; after all, they were the first in four generations to experience a major depression. Positive mentality and work ethics is vital 3 for steering this country back on track. Work-study is the perfect opportunity for them to become a team player by engaging in community projects and learn to trust others while giving back to their community. This generation is caught in the midst of an economic and social shift. The economic problems ahead are daunting; but with the support they need, Millennials are capable of making a positive change in our society. Works Cited Millennials in Adulthood. Pew Research Centers Social Demographic Trends Project RSS. N.p., 06 Mar. 2014. Web. 04 Sept. 2015. Multiracial in America. Pew Research Centers Social Demographic Trends Project RSS. N.p., 10 June 2015. Web. 04 Sept. 2015. The Changing Profile of Student Borrowers. Pew Research Centers Social Demographic Trends Project RSS. N.p., 07 Oct. 2014. Web. 04 Sept. 2015. The Rising Cost of Not Going to College. Pew Research Centers Social Demographic Trends