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Subtle Depiction of Boomer's Response to Millennials Taken during 2012 U.S. Presidential Election, how fitting? |
I'm only referring to the flight attendant script to indicate that the ride to the future will be bumpy. Ironically, the relationship that I share with the future resembles my tumultuous relationship with flying. I love and hate flying and the future as so much could happen: I could die or survive; I might throw up or take some pills to calm myself down, but what if there aren't any puke bags available? What if I'm stuck in a bad airline? As a spoiled Millennials I could only have the best, right? What if traffic control prevents us from landing and its been a twenty-hour flight? Aargh!
Unfortunately, researchers found that the future might be as bumpy or even more turbulent than the worst flights that doesn't end up in a crash. Different media sources have announced that members of the older generation hates us. There's a chance that "Boomer generation workers will never completely accept new colleagues who do not share their work ethic" (Myers & Sadaghiani, 2010, 228). Once we are committed to specific missions, our contrasting value on "work" may force us to "accommodate the demands of the workplace" (Myers & Sadaghiani, 2010, 228) and behave more similarly to Boomers. If we don't, we might be screwed. Just kidding! Where did my Millennial optimism go?
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This might be a better portrayal of Boomer's response to Millennials, no? |
College-for-all has perpetuated a societal belief that college is the only yellow brick road leading to the Emerald City, more commonly known as success. In Indonesia, a country that has increasingly become Westernized with an emphasis on American-centered ideals, students flock to tutors, "success-guaranteed" courses, and even agents to attain entry to both local and international post-secondary schools. Similar to American high schools, Indonesian schools have "quietly and unofficially adopted a policy of encouraging all students to attend college" (Rosenbaum, 2001, 266). Teachers in both countries promote this campaign to avoid discouraging certain students or decrease their options (Rosenbaum, 2001). In Indonesia, this seemingly good intent, though, is not pertinent to all high school graduates. The campaign also lacks an effective system to ensure its success.
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EMERGENCY! Not just for Millennials, but Boomers and Generation X as well |
Although most schools are yet to be equipped with guidance counselors and college counselors, the booming interest in college education has created the upsurge of college agents. A market that gained prominence in the affluent Indonesian community in the late 1980s has expanded to include clients from various socio-economic backgrounds. In recent years, high school students have became a flock of sheep that is directed by these agents to attend community colleges, when many are underprepared to enter postsecondary education and others are able to attain a seat at a prestigious Ivy, state school or liberal arts college. Vague depiction of life at postsecondary schools in other countries, as well as skewed portrayals of admission requirements, consequences, and cost have lead many to enter unsuitable colleges.
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My sentiments exactly! |
Have a safe flight!
References
Myers, K. K., & Sadaghiani, K. (2010). Millennials in the workplace: A communication perspective on millennials’ organizational relationships and performance. Journal of Business Psychology, 25, 225-238.
Rosenbaum, J. (2001).
Policy implications: Career paths for the forgotten half. In J. Rosenbaum (Ed.), Beyond college for all: Career paths for the forgotten half (pp.
1-23; 265-282). New York: Russell Sage
Foundation.
TED Talks (double-edged sword?):
What jobs would look like in the future - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0RQE3A47Hw
TED Talks (double-edged sword?):
What jobs would look like in the future - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0RQE3A47Hw
All photos were taken by yours truly!
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