Generation Z Will Not Wait

According to Beresford Research, people born between 1997 and 2012 are part of Generation Z. On the surface level, Gen Z is seen as a herd of self obsessed kids, unable to leave our phones, who shamelessly dance in any public space, but we’ve proved ourselves beneficial to an evolving world.

Key strengths of Gen Z include our healthy balance of emotional and intellectual ability. According to a survey conducted by psychologist and author Ryan M. Niemiec, “we learn that Gen Z, on average, is high in honesty, kindness, fairness, judgment/critical thinking and love.” Being a generation that can adequately balance these important characteristics and adopt them as our core qualities explains the positive effects we have on the world.

 The future is in safe hands when it’s in the hands of Gen Z. This generation is most likely to actively fight against the effects of climate change. According to a 2021 study by Pew Research Center, 32% of Gen Zers have taken action to address climate change in the past year, compared to Millennials’ 28%, Gen X’s 23%, and Boomers’ 21%.

Our generation has come of age in a world set up for disaster, so our motivation to help exceeds that of generations that come before us. Christopher Schlottmann, environmental studies global curriculum coordinator at New York University, told The Guardian, “Solutions to the planet’s grim environment future are in reach thanks in large part to this army of young people flooding universities, job fairs and interview rooms with clear-eyed confidence in science, policy and each other.” 

Compared to generations that come before, Gen Z is the generation which celebrates diversity the most. In 2015, for example, the U.S. Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. Our youth was spent in an environment where differences and diversity became something normal and positive.

Alongside emotional and intellectual strengths, struggles with mental health are unique to Generation Z. According to the American Psychological Association, only “45% of Gen Z’ers report that their mental health is very good or excellent,” a low rate compared to previous generations. The poor mental health of Gen Z’ers is concerning, but we are also the generation most likely to be proactive about our mental health. This is positive for Generation Z, as well as Generation Alpha (born 2011-2025) who will grow up in an environment where mental health is taken seriously. This is sure to protect the well being of every generation that comes after us.

According to psychologist Ryan M. Niemiec, “Gen Z’s top strengths span four virtues championed by philosophers and theologians throughout time – the virtues of wisdom, courage, humanity and justice.” The building blocks for an entire young generation are those sought after by some of the greatest thinkers of all time. 

Gen Z role models exist on our very own campus, including in ASMSU student government. Throughout the school year, ASMSU has passed many resolutions to encourage sustainability on campus, for example, including a resolution for ASMSU to become carbon neutral. Senator Atticus Cummings, the sponsor of that resolution and one of the senators motivating changes in sustainability practices, told the Exponent,“We only have so much space of operation or power in the organization of MSU, but we think that we should walk our talk and become carbon neutral.” Cats for a Cause is another student-led organization aiming to promote respect for people with intellectual disabilities through campus and Bozeman community outreach. This club works with Special Olympics, hosting fundraisers like the polar plunge, and serves free hot meals at the Community Cafe. Young leaders exist in our own classrooms, already inspiring positive change and contributing to a world we can be proud of.