One of the best parts of working in education is the fact that while you age, your students stay young. Anyone who has worked in education or taught in any setting will tell you working with young people isn’t just rewarding but energizing. And every new generation brings with it a unique outlook and a whole new wave of energy.
Having served as dean for many years, I’ve been out of the classroom for quite some time, but I am still fortunate enough to get to interact regularly with students. One of my favorite opportunities to work with these young people is through the CBE Student Leadership Council (SLC), which is comprised of representatives from each of the college’s student organizations. This amazing group gives the CBE student body a voice in the administration of the college and works together to share resources to transform their individual organizations and CBE as a whole.
At the start of last fall, I, along with fellow faculty members, staff members and alumni accompanied SLC to a retreat in rural Pennsylvania. We were there to guide and advice the students who were setting goals for the group and their respective student organizations for the year. While working with the students to brainstorm SMART goals, I was impressed by their level of careful thought and focus.
Every new generation brings with it a unique outlook and a whole new wave of energy.
Millennials, and now the up-and-coming cohorts of Gen Z, have the reputation of being savvy and connected when it comes to technology. However, they’re also frequently perceived as being glued to their smartphones, unaware of what’s going on around them and so dependent on technology that it hinders their ability to connect with others face-to-face in real time.
What I personally experienced at the retreat couldn’t be farther from that misperception.
Their phones were on the tables, yes. They were snapping photos for Snapchat throughout the event. But they also listened closely, posed challenging questions and ideas and delved deep into conversations with each other and us advisers.
I continue to be amazed at the Millennials and Gen Zers’ knack for connecting both digitally and interpersonally. These strengths make them a powerful asset to transforming and innovating the business world and the greater community.
Shohreh A. Kaynama ’76
Dean, College of Business and Economics
Towson University