As I leave my small Texas town—all I've ever know as home—in four short days, and as I look back and reflect on all the things that I will miss (including tacos for every meal, Wataburger fries, and great friendships), what I think I will miss the most are the older guys in this community that have stepped into my life with the intentional purpose to push me forward to my potential and my passions. It may seem convenient to hang with a crowd of just your peers, but I would encourage anyone to "do life" with someone ahead of you in the journey, and here's why:
1. They Know What They're Doing
I have been submerged in multi-generational communities throughout high school, through church and CrossFit. Being in these communities, I have been inspired by not only my peers, but also people in their 20-somethings up to their 60-somethings. These older souls can tell me how to do a CrossFit lift right, encourage me when I'm stressed or confused, or just offer a good laugh. These bits of wisdom are credible and valuable because they've been where I'm at right now. When everything in my world seems crashing down, these guys come in and tell me "I've been exactly where you are, and I know the way out". There is a big push-back for youth to engage older people for help because we want to figure everything out by ourselves. Well don't. You're not invincible, and can really benefit off their wisdom and relationships.
2. They Want To Help You
Not only do the extra years provide wisdom, but they also provide empathy, a mutual burden for pain. While some adults have thrown in the towel on Millennials, many more want to see this generation prosper. And seeking help to navigate life isn't a sign of weakness either, rather it's a sign of strength that you realise you can't do life by yourself.
Every mentor I've had has said that they are impacted by walking through life with me, as they get to see how their impact has molded me. Leaning on community isn't a burden, It's symbiotic.
3. You Can Do Anything If Someone Believes in You
I went to accomplish a big feat this past year—creating a music festival for my high school. When this idea was only in my head, adrenalin shot through my veins at the idea of how perfect and fun this event would be. But when actualizing this event came along, having to get stages and sound systems, vendors, advertising, and create a Coachella vibe, I started to crack. The stress of all these moving parts on my shoulders was insurmountable, only being able to focus on all the different scenarios of failure. But the older guys who have encouraged me before came in faithfully for me again, offering business sponsorships, volunteering their skills, jumping through loopholes, and constantly reminding me to not lose heart. They believed in me, and not in a petty and apathetic way, but in a strong willed, "I'll get behind you" kind of way.
There's many more reasons why you should hang out with older people too: They'll always buy your lunch or coffee, they have odd-jobs that they don't wanna do and will pay you for (I will gladly mow your lawn or watch your child for money), they know other people to help you out, they may even get tattoos with you.
To the dudes that have pushed me this far, I want to give you a long overdue thank you. You've believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, and you loved me when I thought I wasn't worth love. You've implanted in me courage to step into New York City bravely and courageously.
