Millennial Monday: Alice Boutz

Have I Lost My Millennial Card Yet?

I have so many sub-passions that all tie back to my passion for people, the core of my profession. Social justice, the importance of the human connection, dignity and worth of a person…these are core values of social workers, and are really my passions.

Alice Boutz, LMSW  (Wichita, KS)

Alice is a 27 year-old Licensed Social Worker and a Mental Health Specialist. As a Caucasian female and a member of the middle class, she achieved a master’s degree. She was born in 1990, and because of that, she does consider herself a millennial.

Alice and I have known each other since 2008. We met at a pre-college camp, and the rest (as they say) is history. She's my person- my very best friend. Alice holds me accountable to being a compassionate and socially just fighter. Catch us 5 minutes later,  and we can be giggling about New Girl or some inside joke. I was thrilled when she agreed to be featured. She doesn't think she's cool enough, but I think she's the coolest. Read her thoughts below to see for yourself!

What identity has been key in your development as a millennial?

This was a tough question. After phoning a friend, and talking it out,  I realize that I tend to reject the idea of being tied to an identity/label. I tend to focus on experiences rather than tying any development to a specific identity. I come from a fairly non-traditional family situation which turned out great for me, but wasn’t always (and still isn’t) the easiest to explain.  I was old enough to remember, but not really understand 9/11/01, and the hatred that came with it while I still struggle to understand hatred. My experiences with growing up in a working middle class community and having a diverse set of friends, then going away to college to experience economic inequality were key to where I am now. Then I went off to graduate school while also growing stronger in my faith. Social work is a fairly liberal field but religious institutions are not always the most liberal minded, so both of those environments have also contributed to who I am. 

All of this to say, experiences have made me, not identities…have I lost my millennial card yet?

Is your job the sole purpose or “calling” of your life? Put another way: what ignites and fuels you? Is it work or is it something bigger? Something deeper? Who do you serve at work, and why do you serve them?

Since graduating with my master’s in social work, I have had three different jobs. They have all ignited a passion within me, all separate sub-passions from each other. My job isn’t my sole purpose, and I don’t think that I have one sole purpose in life.

For a year and a half I was a case manager for children and families involved in the foster care system, it was humbling and hard work. Then I had to opportunity to work as a therapist for minor survivors of human trafficking who were also involved in the child welfare/foster care system. Both of those jobs were super rewarding. Doing therapy fueled my soul and passion for injustice like no other. But at the end of the day, it couldn’t be the only thing to fill me up, because some days it was the most draining thing I have ever experienced. (Shout out to all those still doing this work and other work in human services including teaching.)  

The job I have now also ignites my soul, but in a much different way, but I don’t think a job will ever be my sole purpose. I am also a wife, a family member to many, and a friend. These people fill me up.

What are your passions, hobbies, and/or aspirations? 

I like listening to music and hanging out with my husband. I love catching up with my friends, whether it is in person or by text. I'm a sucker for a good coloring book or a good adventure.

I have so many sub-passions that all tie back to my passion for people, the core of my profession. Social justice, the importance of the human connection, dignity and worth of a person…these are core values of social workers, and are really my passions. I am also very passionate about loving my family and friends. I aspire to always learn and always try my best.

What communities or groups have helped you feel like you belong?

I would say my family and my friends have been instrumental in helping me feel like I belong. I have a few very close friends and family members that can always slap me back to reality when I start feeling lost. I think my faith also helps provide a since of belonging.

The millennial generation has been labeled as entitled, tech-savvy, non-religious, and non-direct communicators who are financially irresponsible.
What do you think about these labels?

I think labeling is silly. But we all do it.

I’ve been positively labeled as a millennial and negatively labeled as a millennial. Individuals in every generation are entitled. I have been around some extremely entitled millennials; on the other hand, some of the most gracious people I know are millennials.

Millennials have no choice but to be tech savvy, most of us had forced technology classes starting in elementary school.

A lot of my millennial friends have a religious belief in a higher power and many of them identify as Christians, but have not fully bought into organized religion (i.e. going to church every Sunday).

Communication is a learned behavior, so let’s just start blaming our parents for this one. 

I have a problem with the label of financially irresponsible. I’m not saying that there aren’t some very irresponsible millennials, but almost all millennials I know work hard for their money, and then use their money to pay off the ridiculous amounts of student loans they have, which were acquired because “to get ahead in life” you need a higher education degree.  

Think you have a story to tell about being a millennial? Comment below or message me today at eden.tullis@gmail.com!