To Leave a Story Worth Telling, With Morals or Questions of Morals
Many of us are 1st or 2nd generation citizens or residents and did not have parents with time to sit us down to teach us about taxes or the importance of saving. Many people in my circle did not have college funds. So we've had to learn about money the hard way.
Meet Jacob! (Seattle, WA) He's a 27 year-old Club Center Coordinator and Barista who is gridin' and hustlin' in the lower class broke status. Truly, he's one of the hardest working people I know. Jacob also got a Bachelor or Arts in Philosophy from Seattle University (where we met), and he identifies as a Hetero-cis-male who is Latino, white, and Mexican. |
Do you consider yourself a millennial- why or why not?
Yes to an extent. I don't boast about it. But as a general generational identifier, I fit into the category well enough.
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?
I don't believe I have a single sole purpose. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I have a purpose [at all]. And if I even realized what it was, I'd have to decide whether or not to actually pursue such purpose. If I did have a purpose or calling, I imagine it'd be in politics. So in a way, the costumer service aspect of my jobs is preparation for politics. But in the spirit of this question, I could work anywhere for money in the meantime. But I have chosen to do these jobs for specific reasons.
I serve community college students who wish to create and manage student clubs because I was once in their shoes and know that unless you are already organized and confident, it is very discouraging to join a club, least of all step up to lead one. But when one does, one finds real world simulations, experiences, networks, and personal growth. I serve in this position to help the wallflowers bloom and to remind the social butterflies of humility.
On the other hand, I really wanted to work at Starbucks because I wanted to learn the craft of coffee-ing. While I mainly serve people 12 oz's at a time, I really admire how far the company goes in the name of costumer service.
Outside of work, I am an aspiring Actor. I grew up on movies and love quality film and television. It can shed light through social or political commentaries, evoke emotions you don't typically have, or help you imagine something extraordinary.
In the big picture, I'd be serving my family and friends, ridding them all of debt. But even without that, I serve my sanity. Without that, I can't really serve others.
What are your passions, hobbies, and/or aspirations?
Although I pursue it more, Acting is really equal to my passion for music. I love just learning an instrument or a song. I aspire to be proficient in music theory and composition. I aspire to act with those great cast members and filmmakers I witnessed growing up- to leave a story worth telling, with morals or questions of morals.
What communities or groups are you a part of that have been instrumental in helping you feel like you belong?
More than anything, my family's approval of my academic and vocational choices is important. My many friends who joke with me as well as listen to me and trust in me to be listened to are also very important. It's a great feeling when you have a work crew who cares about the collective goal of your job too. I had such work crews in my time working for a Work Release, and I've experienced it at both my current jobs.
The millennial generation has been labeled as entitled, tech-savvy, non-religious, non-direct communicators, and financially irresponsible. What do you think about these labels?
I always wonder the demographics of these "millennials" that they see. I'd say a third of my friends are entitled, a quarter tech-savvy, half non-religious, and well yes, the last two are pretty accurate. But understand that even experts have trouble navigating student loans, the source of our financial struggle. Here is another thing. Many of us are 1st or 2nd generation citizens or residents and did not have parents with time to sit us down to teach us about taxes or the importance of saving. Many people in my circle did not have college funds. So we've had to learn about money the hard way.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself and how you interpret the millennial generation?
Categories work with generalizations, but it is important to go all the way to the specifics if one cares to respect the humanity of an individual.
Yes to an extent. I don't boast about it. But as a general generational identifier, I fit into the category well enough.
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?
I don't believe I have a single sole purpose. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I have a purpose [at all]. And if I even realized what it was, I'd have to decide whether or not to actually pursue such purpose. If I did have a purpose or calling, I imagine it'd be in politics. So in a way, the costumer service aspect of my jobs is preparation for politics. But in the spirit of this question, I could work anywhere for money in the meantime. But I have chosen to do these jobs for specific reasons.
I serve community college students who wish to create and manage student clubs because I was once in their shoes and know that unless you are already organized and confident, it is very discouraging to join a club, least of all step up to lead one. But when one does, one finds real world simulations, experiences, networks, and personal growth. I serve in this position to help the wallflowers bloom and to remind the social butterflies of humility.
On the other hand, I really wanted to work at Starbucks because I wanted to learn the craft of coffee-ing. While I mainly serve people 12 oz's at a time, I really admire how far the company goes in the name of costumer service.
Outside of work, I am an aspiring Actor. I grew up on movies and love quality film and television. It can shed light through social or political commentaries, evoke emotions you don't typically have, or help you imagine something extraordinary.
In the big picture, I'd be serving my family and friends, ridding them all of debt. But even without that, I serve my sanity. Without that, I can't really serve others.
What are your passions, hobbies, and/or aspirations?
Although I pursue it more, Acting is really equal to my passion for music. I love just learning an instrument or a song. I aspire to be proficient in music theory and composition. I aspire to act with those great cast members and filmmakers I witnessed growing up- to leave a story worth telling, with morals or questions of morals.
What communities or groups are you a part of that have been instrumental in helping you feel like you belong?
More than anything, my family's approval of my academic and vocational choices is important. My many friends who joke with me as well as listen to me and trust in me to be listened to are also very important. It's a great feeling when you have a work crew who cares about the collective goal of your job too. I had such work crews in my time working for a Work Release, and I've experienced it at both my current jobs.
The millennial generation has been labeled as entitled, tech-savvy, non-religious, non-direct communicators, and financially irresponsible. What do you think about these labels?
I always wonder the demographics of these "millennials" that they see. I'd say a third of my friends are entitled, a quarter tech-savvy, half non-religious, and well yes, the last two are pretty accurate. But understand that even experts have trouble navigating student loans, the source of our financial struggle. Here is another thing. Many of us are 1st or 2nd generation citizens or residents and did not have parents with time to sit us down to teach us about taxes or the importance of saving. Many people in my circle did not have college funds. So we've had to learn about money the hard way.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself and how you interpret the millennial generation?
Categories work with generalizations, but it is important to go all the way to the specifics if one cares to respect the humanity of an individual.
Think you have a story to tell about being a millennial? Comment below or message me today at eden.tullis@gmail.com!