Hanging with Young People Makes Being an Older Adult So Much Fun

I attended the Graduate Orientation orientation yesterday for the new semester, which starts on Wednesday. I have been a graduate student for nearly three years, but I attended because I wanted to meet new graduates and maybe add some wisdom. As one of the older adults in my class, I am always older than my professors and fellow students. I love being in the mix with these young people starting their graduate lives and so often unprepared for what they have signed up for.

I love to see their enthusiasm and desire to make a difference in the world. They are my heroes and (s)heroes. They have their lives ahead of them, while most of my life is behind me. In our classes, I love to share real stories with them so that they can see the real-life behind many of the terms we study and do so with humor. I tell them how proud I am of them because I don’t know if anyone else has said they are meant for greatness. I see them as young warriors.

The ones who knew me hugged me and told me how much they enjoyed my insights, and I told them that having their insights and ideas in the courses really made the courses better. I love to see young people smile when complimented. I didn’t have that kind of support, and it is in being older that I know what young people need to avoid feeling unappreciated and useless to the world. We criticize them too much, stereotyping Millenials, Gen X, Y, or Z (?) as a group rather than individuals with idiosyncracies, dreams, needs, beliefs, and wants.

I attend college through the GSU-62 program, which allows me to participate for free. I only buy my books and supplies. Those young people have to search for scholarships and funding, meaning they have a full schedule of courses and jobs and families and friends who want some of their time. I was once them, and I have insights on how to make it work and the need to sometimes be selfish with time, rest as much as possible, and remember that a grade doesn’t define your value and worth, especially when you have given your best.

Yesterday was a wonderful time. I loved the hugs, even though I had to wear a mask because I am on the back side of an upper respiratory infection and still on antibiotics. Being older adults means that we have been there, done that, and have the souvenirs and scars to prove it. Giving back to the young and hanging with them adds spice to life and keeps me feeling needed, helpful, and with a purpose-driven life. It also reminds me to fully live this part of my life because we can’t go backward. We keep moving forward into that great unknown with as much joy as we can.