Generational differences bring an open dialogue

By Edgar Estrada/reporter

Students took time to discuss issues between people from different generations at the sixth annual Intergenerational Conversation Sept. 30 on South Campus.

Presley Morris, a sophomore at South’s early college high school, is a millennial and agrees with some of the perceptions associated with her group.

“It’s the generation of the participation award, and it’s about instant gratification, and you don’t have to do much to get somewhere,” Morris said.

Rachel Garcia, president of Phi Theta Kappa considers herself a “Xennial,” a combination of a Generation X and millennial.

“The millennials tend to think how will this benefit me. I won’t hang around anyone that can’t do anything for me,” Garcia said. “We still played outside. We didn’t have cellphones and video games. Beepers were around. I remember when they came out with the first CD.”

South student development services vice president Larry Rideaux was one of the event’s organizers and a Generation Xer. He believes music connects different generations.

“Music was something that every generation gives appreciation to,” Rideaux said. “I came in through the tail end of Motown music and got into disco music, and in the 80s, you had rap music come about.”

Communication is key to helping different generations come together for a common goal.

“I think if we are going to make advancements in our local community, it’s going to be important to understand how to work with one another,” Rideaux said.