Okay, let me start by saying, yes, this letter is long. I know you have places to be, people to see, and about fifty tabs open at any given time. But I promise, there is something in here for you. So bear with me, read until the end. There is some wisdom in here that I think you will find worth your time.

When I look at you, I see resilience, creativity, and an energy that’s inspiring. I see a generation that is rewriting norms, breaking down barriers, and daring to dream big. But, as I would with my own children, I want to share a few words of wisdom with you — not to slow you down or steer you away from what makes you unique, but to help you see your own brilliance in new ways and to remind you of some things that may seem old-fashioned but are timeless.

Listen Carefully, Even When You Disagree

Today, you are faced with a constant stream of information. Opinions, stories, and statistics fly across your screens every second. This can be overwhelming, and often, the loudest voices are not necessarily the wisest. My generation did not grow up with this level of noise. So, we learned to find wisdom through people — our grandparents, our teachers, even our neighbors. We learned to listen carefully, even to ideas we did not agree with. In doing so, we learned patience, empathy, and, often, wisdom from unexpected places.

Listening deeply does not mean you have to accept everything, but it gives you a better understanding of where people come from. You can shape your own views while understanding those of others.

Stay Grounded in Reality, Not Just the Virtual

Social media and the digital world offer incredible opportunities to connect, learn, and share, but they also pull you away from the here and now. Real relationships — the kind that stand the test of time — are often built over coffee cups, face-to-face conversations, and quiet moments. Real experiences shape who you are. Life’s beauty is sometimes in the unfiltered moments. While technology connects you to people around the globe, do not forget to look up. Have conversations in person. Talk to us and each other. Truly connect with the people around you. That is where true bonds are made.

Do Not Become Numb to the World’s Troubles

You are living in a world with challenges we never faced so openly: climate change, mental health crises, and global conflicts play out in real time on your screens. These issues can become overwhelming. It is easy to feel numb or desensitized when everything feels like a never-ending cycle of bad news. But understand this: feeling deeply, even when it is uncomfortable, is a strength. It is the first step toward making change. Use that empathy to fuel action, however small. You can make a difference in your community, your family, and your world by caring and choosing to be engaged. Make a commitment to do so because we need you.

Value Hard Work, But Work Smarter

Your generation has been criticized for wanting things “too fast.” Well, I see that as innovation. Many of you have found ways to turn hobbies into businesses, to redefine what work looks like, and to push for mental health and work-life balance. I applaud that. I want you to know that I am quite proud of you.

I want you to remember, though, sometimes there is value in slowing down and taking the long road. It is vitally important to learn all the steps — even the tedious ones. That is where skills are honed and resilience is built. You do not have to earn respect by overworking yourselves, but know that truly understanding the craft takes time and effort. Hard work and smart work are not mutually exclusive. Both are partners in your success.

Teach Us, Too

It is easy for my generation to feel like we have all the answers. The truth is, we do not. There are some who will not agree with me and that is okay.

I want you to know you have wisdom that is unique to you, especially when it comes to embracing diversity, inclusivity, and social justice. You are pushing boundaries and reminding us to look closer at issues we sometimes overlook. You are showing us that our understanding of the world can be expanded, and that our habits and mindsets can change for the better. Please do not underestimate your power to influence us, too. Just as I hope you will listen to me, I promise we are listening to you, even though it may not seem like this is the case. We are learning from your courage and your ability to embrace change.

Leave a Legacy of Compassion and Resilience

Life will throw challenges your way. Some will be global. Some challenges will be deeply personal. Through it all, remember that resilience is not just bouncing back. Resilience is growing stronger with each challenge you face. Compassion, too, is not just about being kind when things are easy. It is actually more than that. Compassion is about choosing to care even when life is tough. These are the legacies worth leaving for the next generation. This is not just about “toughening up.” It is about becoming wise, centered, and determined, all while staying open-hearted.

My Acknowledgement

Here is the deal. There is a lot to worry about these days, but there is also a lot to hope for. That hope is largely because of you.

You are navigating one of the most turbulent times in recent history. The world economy feels fragile; political tensions seem higher than ever; and conflicts both at home and abroad weigh heavy on our hearts. There are forces dividing us. Messages are sent daily that aim to keep us fearful and anxious. Systems are also in place that sometimes seem stacked against us. I acknowledge that it is easy to look around and feel discouraged, even hopeless.

Here is the other side of that coin: Hope is not lost. It is actually alive in you.

Growing Up Faster Than We Did

The challenges you are facing require maturity beyond your years. My generation had more time to ease into adulthood, but you have had to become more aware, more informed, and more proactive at a younger age. Consequently, this has made you sharper. You are able to adapt quicker and more resourceful. Instead of sitting back, you are stepping up — whether it is to call out injustice, support those who need a voice, or create new paths forward.

Thank you because this courage gives us hope. It reveals a generation that will not stand idly by but instead will rise up to face what is in front of them.

Redefining Community and Connection

Despite the divisions we are all witnessing, you are creating a new kind of global community. Through your screens, you are forming friendships and alliances that cross borders and time zones, building networks of support and shared interests that challenge traditional boundaries. This connection, this ability to relate to people around the world, offers a foundation for unity, even when others push for division. You are showing us that community can be stronger than politics, and that no matter what happens at the government level, real change can come from people working together across cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.

Heightened Moral Compass

Many of you are laser-focused on issues of fairness, equality, and the environment. Your sense of responsibility is fierce, and you are not waiting for others to fix the problems you see. Your voice is being heard. You are vocal about the change you want and willing to push boundaries to make it happen. Whether it is standing up for racial justice, protecting human rights, demanding action on climate change, or calling for political reform, your voice is loud and clear. You are showing all of us that it is not enough to just talk about these issues anymore; action is necessary. Collectively, your action gives hope to anyone who wonders if positive change is still possible.

Adaptable and Unafraid of Change

The world is changing fast. For a lot of people, that is unsettling. My generation grew up in a more stable environment where change happened slower. So, we are often uncomfortable with the rapid shifts in technology, social norms, and culture. But you, on the other hand, have been adapting to change since you were old enough to turn on a screen. You know how to learn on the fly, you are not afraid of new ideas. You are constantly evolving. This adaptability is your superpower. It means that when you face challenges, you are more willing to pivot, learn, and grow. This openness to change is exactly what our world needs to stay resilient and innovative in the face of future challenges.

Belief in the Power of People, Not Just Institutions

For many of us, institutions like the government, education systems, and large companies were symbols of stability. For you, these same institutions have not always lived up to their promises. You have seen broken systems and know that change often comes from within — from individuals and small groups who believe in something bigger than themselves. This perspective has made you more entrepreneurial and resourceful, more willing to start movements and initiatives on your own terms. You are showing the world that true power comes from people, not positions. Because of that, we are starting to believe that change is possible in ways we never imagined.

Teach Us to Be Bold

You do not shy away from big, uncomfortable conversations. Admittedly, many in my generation do. However, you are willing to talk about mental health, identity, and systemic oppression. You are challenging norms and demanding that the people around you show up authentically. For some of us, that boldness is new, but it is refreshing. It reminds us that progress does not happen by staying silent or staying “in line.” You are showing us that sometimes you have to break the mold in order to move forward.

There Is Hope Because of You

The world needs people who believe in a brighter future and who are ready to work for it, even when it seems difficult or impossible. Gen X, Y & Z, that is you. You are a generation that is breaking down barriers, thinking globally, and standing up for each other. You have passion and heart. You are adaptable. Your courage makes it possible to imagine a world where we can overcome these challenges.

You Are Not Alone

Remember, though, that you do not have to do it alone. Those of us who have been around a little longer are here to support you. We want to share what we have learned, just as we are ready to learn from you. Our community’s success requires collective effort. Together, we can move through these difficult times and create a world that works better for everyone — one where the hope we feel now turns into the reality of a brighter, kinder, and more resilient future for ourselves and future generations.

My Final Words

Finally, as you read this, please take it to heart. I am not here to point fingers or make you feel like our generations are at odds. We definitely are not. We are all in this together. So, this message comes from a place of deep respect and belief in what you are capable of. Our advice, our guidance — it is not meant to hold you back or stifle you. Rather, it is meant to lift you up.

We have faced our own battles, and we want to help you avoid some of the traps we fell into. Our goal is to offer you a bit of extra light on the path forward. Know that our words come with love and hope for what you will create, the changes you will champion, and the future you will bring to life. Let us agree to walk this road side by side, taking the best from each generation to make tomorrow a little bit better for us all.

Erika