I have recently started speaking to seniors at a local high school in conjunction with the amazing Junior Achievement program.  Why?  Because I want to see if there is hope for our younger generation.  I’m happy to report…THERE IS HOPE!

Don’t believe the story that our younger generation doesn’t want to work hard.  Or that they are lazy or entitled.  My experience speaking to over 100 seniors each week is just the opposite.  They are strongminded, committed to making something of their lives and without a question, they want more of everything!

Here are some of my observations:

  1. They are worried about the cost of college. One student thinks the cost of college will “break” the system.  He doesn’t think families or students will be able to afford a top tier college.  With top tier college tuition now around $65,000 – $70,000 per year, I think he is correct.  Many students are looking at the game of college differently.  They are seriously considering doing 2 years at junior college and then transferring to a big name school for the degree.  They clearly understand value of this strategy and the cost savings.  They want the degree, but don’t want the debt.
  2. They understand how much things cost. I’m amazed at how in tune many of these students are to the cost of everything.  Car payments/repairs, insurance, clothes and dining out are part of their lives and they understand that working pays for it all.
  3. They get business. My students understand how business works at an acceptable level for their age.  They understand revenue, expenses and net profit.  Although business is not taught to them in school, the seniors I speak to have a good grasp on the basics of economics and the flow of business.  Supply and demand is hardly a foreign concept to them.
  4. They have great attitudes. Despite the idea that many people think the younger generation is isolated to their phones (and they do LOVE their phones), communication is not a problem.  Once I get them talking, they are full on chatter boxes.
  5. Work is NOT a four letter word. Almost all of the students in my three classes have jobs.  Some in restaurants, some as nannies, and one has his own business.  Under no circumstances would I say that the younger generation is afraid to work.  Again, they like their things and activities and understand that working for a paycheck is how they get them.
  6. What they need – Mentoring. Mentoring is missing in their lives…it’s clear to me. Maybe it is because both parents are working and are very busy, or that they are not exposed to good mentors from teachers, coaches or bosses, it is clear to me that they need more mentors in their lives.  How about you become one? Becoming one has been a true pleasure for me.

There is hope…real hope for our younger generation.  Don’t give up on them and don’t believe the silly hype that the media and many of the older generation (I’m 47 years old), think about them.  They will need more education, more skills and for sure MORE MENTORING, but who doesn’t?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Manero is the Founder and President of Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. (CFF) located in Dallas, TX. CFF is celebrating its 21st year in business and provides financing for commercial fleet vehicles such as box trucks, cargo vans, big rigs, tow trucks, dump trucks and construction equipment. CFF is a 3-time winner of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Inc. Magazine Top 500/5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Matt has helped dozens of employees and thousands of small business owners move closer to the money they deserve. He is the author of, “The Grit”, and his forthcoming book, “I NEED MORE MONEY” will be out in 2017.  Learn more at www.cffnationwide.com or call 972.247.8447 phone or on all social media platforms via @Matt Manero. www.mattmanero.com