Gen Y Gives Thanks: Relationships DO matter

Gen Y'ers DO value relationships.
(Photo: Photoxpress.com)

“They don’t have meaningful relationships and they don’t value relationships.” Yet another common misconception about Generation Y. Many believe, partially because of Gen Y’s propensity for electronic communication, they view relationships as instantaneous and convenient, not meaningful and lasting. 

Gen Y’ers do value relationships, plain and simple. For proof, look no further than Megan Berner and David Spinks.

Bener is a 23-year marketing coordinator for Solutions 21 in Pittsburgh. She consciously looks at her life, her opportunities, her “good life” and sees many reasons to be grateful--particularly for the relationships, both personal and professional, she cherishes.

“I am most grateful for the relationships I have. I have a wonderful, supportive family who allows me to be independent, yet supply the roots, traditions and love that I need. I have very good friends who share similar life goals and who are a big part of my social life. These friends are also not only fun, but have always been there for me. Also, I have a wonderful relationship with my boyfriend, whose family is very much like my own. He and his family are very supportive and provide all the love anyone could ask for; they deserve many thanks. Finally, my work relationships are also very valuable. I am fortunate to work for a company that encourages young ideas and allows autonomy while also giving valuable experience. I feel validated in my professional life.”

Spinks, 22, of Long Beach, N.Y., just embarked on his professional career as the community manager for Scribnia.com. This year he has seen just how important relationships are and how they have helped him along the way.

“There are so many people who have helped me and supported me so far. I have a number of people I consider mentors, who I can’t thank enough. Having the support of such brilliant people has really inspired me to succeed and is something I will never take lightly. As I've grown and matured, I've become more aware of the ‘darker’ aspects of life. I am thankful every day for the people I have around me, for the strength of my parents’ relationship, for my health and for the health of my friends. I'm grateful to have a girlfriend who supports me through any adventure I pursue. People spend their entire lives looking for someone who will show them the love and support she has given me.”

Coupled with their understanding and respect for the dynamic role positive relationships play in their lives, both Berner and Spinks also realize relationships are one important part of the bigger picture, all of which contribute to the life they enjoy. 

"I am grateful to be 20-something, living in a city I love, with a job that I enjoy and the opportunity for growth," says Berner. "Having wonderful friends and family in Pittsburgh as well is bonus. So I guess you could say I am living the ‘good life.’”

Spinks hopes to be able use the blessings he has been given to help others. He started by creating “Mentor Monday” on his blog, DavidSpinks.com, where he features and thanks a specific mentor who has guided him.

He also says, “I've seen death and suffering. I've seen how complicated life can become. I consider myself extremely lucky, and I hope that I can use all that I have been given to help others throughout my life.”

For more on “Gen Y Gives Thanks”: Click here to read how the series got started and here to read all “Gen Y Gives Thanks” related articles. Join the #GenYGivesThanks conversation on Twitter and check out what the participants in the series are tweeting about with my GenYGivesThanks Twitter list.