tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.comments2023-10-09T10:19:03.087-07:00Millennial VoicesLillian Mongeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00790070687016344427noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-87458425430670958102010-04-20T05:08:30.691-07:002010-04-20T05:08:30.691-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-2025039897839857542009-08-17T13:38:22.164-07:002009-08-17T13:38:22.164-07:00Oh Sounds Great. I completed My Computer Science 4...Oh Sounds Great. I completed My Computer Science 4 years Degree in 2008 and now employed as a Technical Recruiter Trainee for $8/hr Full Time. Where as my seniors who completed in 2007 are earning $25-35/hr in software developer. Even after 1 year and 3 months of working for this same company and got so many winning deals still my wage is $8/hr. Who i must blame??Terry McAlistarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13309116700243966350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-84502840345424215442009-07-30T21:48:50.760-07:002009-07-30T21:48:50.760-07:00FYI: A quick update on the anonymous author of thi...FYI: A quick update on the anonymous author of this post - - the writer was recently accepted to over half of the gradute school programs she applied to, but defferedas he/she (after several mor months of thankless gruntwork) is now gainfully employed in a management position. There is hope :)Lillian Mongeauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00790070687016344427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-11102648362946595782009-06-23T21:59:03.366-07:002009-06-23T21:59:03.366-07:00Wow. This article (and the video) really hit clos...Wow. This article (and the video) really hit close to home for me. For those who care to know, I graduated from Duke University in 2006 with a B.S. (now I know why it's called that) in Biology, with a Chemistry minor. I've got about 3 years of full-time genetics/biochemistry research experience, along with 3 published articles in prestigious biochem journals. Now I'm broke and unemployed and haven't been able to find a job in months.<br /><br />I was lucky enough not to be left with a pile of debt, but I did have over $75K in a custodial account, which no longer exists because I used every penny to pay for my "elite" private-school education.<br /><br />Sadly, I am by no means a unique case - I have several friends from Duke who are also unemployed and nearly penniless. Some have developed psychological disorders from constant anxiety... some have turned to hard drugs for relief.<br /><br />I know several people at other "prestigious" institutions as well who have similar stories. One friend of mine is getting a Masters at Yale, but he is considering transferring because, as he put it, "It's a remarkably average experience. But it's SO expensive."<br /><br />I have another friend at Brown who has been disappointed with her experience as well. She said the campus is oppressively political (far-left), and that no one takes their studies seriously. She was going to go abroad for a semester, but since I told her of my situation, she's decided to do a triple major instead, in hopes that she can secure a job post-graduation.<br /><br />I also have several acquaintances who are making excellent money - $20-40 an hour - with a HS diploma and perhaps an Associate's degree is a practical trade - welding, automotive repair, etc.<br /><br />Personally, I'm preparing to do the same thing - I'm getting my CDL in a couple of months, after which I'm going to drive for maybe a year, and then return to the local community college and get an Associates degree in programming and maybe engine repair.<br /><br />I'm going to cut this short, since I'm rambling in the comment box, but I have to say that I am extremely disappointed in my Duke degree, and I would give my diploma back any day if I could just recover the time and effort and money that I wasted on my degree.<br /><br />If anyone wishes to discuss this further, feel free to contact me at clayton.thomas@alumni.duke.edu.cbthomas2006https://www.blogger.com/profile/03026557277092824831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-31282672695178405172009-06-07T16:56:47.698-07:002009-06-07T16:56:47.698-07:00This is a FANTASTIC post! I think you're onto ...This is a FANTASTIC post! I think you're onto something! I'm curious to watch our collective unconscious shape our generation as well. I think because we're so globally connected we (Millennials) will be the first in history to see this on a global scale. Hopefully, because many of us share this altruistic outlook, this will be a positive defining stereotype/attribute of our great generation. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-68608784244850721702009-05-27T08:56:08.739-07:002009-05-27T08:56:08.739-07:00This video was spot on. Thank you for sharing it. ...This video was spot on. Thank you for sharing it. I graduated from college with a 3.8 and from grad school with a 4.0, and I still cannot find a job. All that my BA qualified me to do was to get a temp job that paid $10/hr (where I live, that's actually a good hourly wage). That was great while it lasted, but now I am sleeping on a friend's couch. College is a scam. Most of my female classmates went to community college to become medical assistants, and their jobs are more secure than anything I'll ever hope to attain. They have homes and families. I wish that, instead of scoffing at them, I'd ignored my family's wishes and gone to community college. A college degree is no guarantee that you'll find work. It's merely a "hunting license," and not even a very useful one at that.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13739577097745566140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-23551149254258625712009-04-30T19:48:00.000-07:002009-04-30T19:48:00.000-07:00The interesting thing is that a car horn has only ...The interesting thing is that a car horn has only one noise. You can't be polite with it, you can't change tone, and you can't say anything specific. It's up to the person who hears it (which is anyone nearby) to guess as to what you mean. To most people it's just an annoyance and an excuse to exercise the middle finger.<br />By contrast using non-auto transportation, I can talk to people on my way out someplace, make friends, have a conversation, etc. Because there's nothing separating me from society.<br />(BTW -please don't share the dozens of excuses why you can't do this, it's far too late for that)Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16105161802971411590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-69439073303221257872009-03-03T11:07:00.000-08:002009-03-03T11:07:00.000-08:00Very nice post. I especially liked this line:"Fait...Very nice post. I especially liked this line:<BR/><BR/>"Faith is faith is faith."<BR/><BR/>You pretty much hit it right on with that. And I look forward to the beginning of a new era. It's silly that people still hold generation-old grudges against other groups simply because of religious matters, when truly, both groups technically believe in the same thing (with the exception of names and events).<BR/><BR/>Then, those who don't believe in a higher deity are sort of "shunned" by a massive portion of the population, which is just as wrong. They still believe in something, even if it's not a higher deity. Evolution, maybe? Or perhaps something else?<BR/><BR/>Very well thought out post. I enjoyed it. Keep it up. :)deepikaurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04181131791793089442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-76220929706428629172009-02-15T05:52:00.000-08:002009-02-15T05:52:00.000-08:00Ha, ha. My mother would not approve. My most frequ...Ha, ha. My mother would not approve. My most frequent use of the horn is to tell the driver in front of me that the light has turned green when that person makes no sign of moving. If my mom is present, she says I just need to be more patient.Ingrid Rodrick Beilerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15497898753904545958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-56311084585376466602009-02-14T19:11:00.000-08:002009-02-14T19:11:00.000-08:00Daniel, I appreciate your perspective that your ex...Daniel, <BR/><BR/>I appreciate your perspective that your experience brings to this discussion. I do, however, worry about your over-simplification of the "men and women are different" theme. Not all women ARE capable of bearing children. Are women without a womb, or whose wombs don't function for any number of reasons, less "women" than their reproducing counterparts? In reality, when it comes to biology as well as any other system of comparison, there is as much variation within the sexes as there is across the sexes. Anything that you can say about women in general, or men in general, have so many exceptions that they must always be phrased as "most women..." or "most men..." if they want to be considered even remotely true.<BR/><BR/>The history of women in priestly roles in the Church is sketchy at best, with more than a few scholars arguing that there were, in fact, women in priestly roles in the early church and within Jesus' inner circle. But the argument the Church makes is not just based on keeping tradition, but rests firmly on this idea that there exists a firm distinction between men and women - that we are essentially different. I'm not convinced of this, which is why I disagree fundamentally with the Vatican on this issue.<BR/><BR/>-Katekatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09431373034999581023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-58864588790067842692009-02-10T18:17:00.000-08:002009-02-10T18:17:00.000-08:00I'm a Gen Yer and have to say that once I get into...I'm a Gen Yer and have to say that once I get into the job market, I'll be looking for a peaceful workplace where my profession draws on not just my learned abilities, but my personal traits as well, and my own ideas and input. I want to see more social interaction, more sharing of innovative ideas, where people aren't confined to a directly strict schedule, where people are allowed flexibility to attempt to bring about new opportunities for themselves as well as the companies they represent.deepikaurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04181131791793089442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-90609502564259998172009-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:002009-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:00Dan, thanks for your reactions. I have to say, wh...Dan, thanks for your reactions. <BR/><BR/>I have to say, while I think that the changes of Vatican II definitely increased participation in the Mass, and that I think this was a hugely welcome change for so many Catholics that felt disconnected during the Mass pre-Vatican II, increasing participation in the Mass and increasing participation in the Church are two very different things. I think it's a good thing that people have the opportunity to understand what's going on at Mass, and have ways of participating that engage their senses as well as their mind and spirit. But a) how many Catholics actually take full advantage of the invitation to participate (just because the Mass is in a language we understand doesn't mean we don't tune out from time to time - it's still just as easy to show up, take communion, and leave as it was in the past), and b) how many Catholics continue this participation into the rest of their week, not just through personal prayer and family ilife but in taking seriously the Church's teachings on poverty, oppression, etc? Shouldn't the council - the goal of which was to engage the church in new and different ways with the modern world - have inspired people to think of their faith/religion as something that happens in our interaction in the world, not just in the Mass?<BR/><BR/>I think you're absolutely right that I won't ever see the church embrace same-sex unions, and I certainly won't hold my breath on that one. I would love, however, to see the church come to a place where it can think and talk about queer issues in a more critical, multi-dimensional way. The world is complex, why can't the church treat it that way?katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09431373034999581023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-45152970730119403322009-02-09T13:43:00.000-08:002009-02-09T13:43:00.000-08:00Kathleen,An excellently written piece. You should ...Kathleen,<BR/><BR/>An excellently written piece. You should be commended. I guess that I can't totally agree with all of what you are saying though. I am one of the few who thinks the Church has changed too much over the past 50 years. I am not anti-Vatican II, I just think that the message of the Council gets perverted. I don't like any of the P&W style music played at Mass nowadays. I hear the names Haugen, Haas, or Farrell and I cringe. I miss hearing the organ. I can't stand seeing the choir at the front of the church, rather than in the loft. I like the old style confessional booths. I feel intimidated every time I go into a face-to-face confessional. I don't hold hands during the Our Father. I refuse to take the Host in my hand, only on the tongue. <BR/><BR/>That being said, I feel that on the whole, the tone of Vatican II was to increase participation in the church and Mass. I think that these goals were met, but at the expense of solemnity. You are right in saying that the Church stifles the queer in the pews. I really disagree with the decisions to not let open gays into the seminary, and to dismiss anyone that comes out while in seminary. <BR/><BR/>I don't think you'll ever see the church embrace same-sex unions. I do think that the Rome needs to welcome everyone into the doors. How that happens is anybody's guess.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-31960621803504590832009-02-04T09:29:00.000-08:002009-02-04T09:29:00.000-08:00Ingrid and Patrick - I really enjoyed reading both...Ingrid and Patrick - <BR/><BR/>I really enjoyed reading both of these pieces. Strangely enough, I found aspects of both ringing true for me. I think there is something about our generation that embraces complexity more than ever, perhaps because the world we were born into is so different from the world we came of age in, in terms of technology, scientific knowledge, and connection to other cultures. We know that we don't know everything about the "known" world; why would we feel differently about the intangible, the mystical, the world of faith? Perhaps because of this, we are more willing than past generations to look for commonality among cultures and faiths and to recognize truth in all of them.<BR/><BR/>But at the same time, Ingrid, I think you're right that we're not about to give up our unique communities and traditions and experiences despite learning more about, and seeing ourselves reflected in, others - especially when we think in terms of the experiences of immigrants and other non-white communities. It's a reminder that "our generation," and even "our generation in America" isn't able to be defined easily because, while we may have commonality by way of our millennial upbringing, we're also influenced by the many cultures and faith traditions we have been a part of. <BR/><BR/>Patrick, I think your vision of peace raining down from on high as differences dissolve is a really beautiful one, but I think it would be even more beautiful for peace to be constructed at the hands of our generation while difference is honored and celebrated. Perhaps our generation's embrace of complexity puts us in a unique position to work toward this vision?<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the thought-provoking writing...<BR/><BR/>Katekatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09431373034999581023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-30983822055467926582009-02-03T19:33:00.000-08:002009-02-03T19:33:00.000-08:00I love what you're doing here. I can't submit to t...I love what you're doing here. I can't submit to the site, but I thought you might enjoy this comedy post I did for madatoms:<BR/><BR/>http://www.madatoms.com/site/blog/thanks-mom-and-dadMichellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16689513053321653681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-69566940328641696992009-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:002009-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:00Hey Lilly, I definitely identify as a member of Ge...Hey Lilly, I definitely identify as a member of Gen. Y, even if I don't always think the analysis of this generation always defines me. But I'm really interested in hearing from some people who don't feel like the Gen. Y lable fits and why they think that...I definitely have some friends who feel that way!Jaclynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05734341684022211772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-30567715169810071022009-02-02T19:25:00.000-08:002009-02-02T19:25:00.000-08:00Love this idea-- I'm working on my entry!Love this idea-- I'm working on my entry!Grasshopperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15752123552096484263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-41143118574121434352009-01-30T15:01:00.000-08:002009-01-30T15:01:00.000-08:00I think the underlying issue in the 'was college w...I think the underlying issue in the 'was college worth it' debate, and many of the points you bring up, is the exorbitant cost of getting a college education in this country. That the majority of us have to go into debt lasting the majority of our adult lives, and that tuition costs keep rising and government funding is ever on the decrease is making college a less available option for many kids, and this saddens me.<BR/>My take on college when I was a student was always that it wasn't "job training", per se. I thought of it as learning to learn, honing my critical thinking skills, and broadening my world view--all relevant to becoming a productive member of society. While I don't regret it at all, at the end of the day, i think that the price tag even at my state-funded university was a little steep for what I got in return; now, I can't even imagine what they are paying, and would be hesitant to study at a university now just to better myself and my world view. I would be more apt to look into job training.<BR/><BR/> What did I study, you might be asking? Spanish. So no, definitely was not job training. And no, I don't work in my field either.<BR/><BR/>The fact that our government invests more in the military, war, and bailing out Fanny and Freddy and all the others than it does in the education of our youth, and continuing education of our adult citizens, frightens and disgusts me. The future of education looks less bright every year, and I wonder just how bad it will have to get before the tide turns, and higher education is at least half--if not wholly--subsidized by tax dollars.Valhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04003280683171130760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-29259986840734681392009-01-28T10:33:00.000-08:002009-01-28T10:33:00.000-08:00Hmm, I think I've asked far too reasonable people ...Hmm, I think I've asked far too reasonable people to write and comment for this blog. Where's the ire? Yes, yes, we all agree and find a happy middle ground, whoopdeedoo, I want fighting! Is this Obama's doing? Grrr. Forget measured debate and proper grammar! Stop weighing both sides of the issue already! Here, check out this incredible series of posts by family members of a deceased guy whose cars were auctioned off: http://columbian.com/article/20081116/NEWS02/711169963/0/FRONTPAGE Now, that's blog worthy.<BR/><BR/>*Disclaimer: The editor does not actually encourage family-bashing or libel of any sort on her blog. Just healthy discussion and debate. Thanks for reading, commenting, and being intelligent :)Lillian Mongeauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00790070687016344427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-84136383083222251262009-01-28T02:52:00.000-08:002009-01-28T02:52:00.000-08:00This particular case involving Mr. Adams has simil...This particular case involving Mr. Adams has similar undertones to the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. The fact that the relationship took place has no bearing on the executive's ability to lead the government, yet both politicians got themselves into hot water when they lied about the relationship. Granted, in President Clinton's case, he lied under oath. In Sam Adams' case, he lied during the campaign. The decision that Sam Adams had to make between coming clean about the relationship during the campaign in 2005 and denying the relationship must have been difficult for him. On the one hand, he risked alienating a group of voters who may have seen his relationship with Mr. Breedlove improper. On the other hand, Mr. Adams ran the chance of losing credibility if the matter surfaced at a later time. Politics should stay out of people's bedrooms. Unfortunately, Mr. Adams will have some questions to answer about his integrity when and if he runs for office again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-24034960022648609982009-01-27T09:03:00.000-08:002009-01-27T09:03:00.000-08:00teacherconfidential,Thanks for your comments. I'm ...teacherconfidential,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your comments. I'm glad you brought up the issue of "reinventing the wheel" as another problem with the lack of connection. Maybe this is the flip side of the issue that I raised - without connection to those who came before us, either we lose the original ideas and motivations and passions of the movement, or we share them but think that they are new, when in fact they have been explored, often in great depth. Either way, we miss out on a lot when we don't have a sense of history.katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09431373034999581023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-33993693765563030162009-01-26T14:27:00.000-08:002009-01-26T14:27:00.000-08:00Congrats Lilly! That is awesome.Congrats Lilly! That is awesome.Valhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04003280683171130760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-69825513853568355212009-01-26T10:30:00.000-08:002009-01-26T10:30:00.000-08:00I'm interested in what you have to say. My Master...I'm interested in what you have to say. My Master's Thesis addressed the issue, complexities, and interconnectedness of the the waves of environmentalism and feminism. With a birthday in 1982, I assure you, you are considered the 3rd wave and my research focused on a small group of high school girls in leadership roles in a environmental club; 4th wave. One of the factors I examined was the lack of contact with voices from the other waves. In the case of my research, all previous waves. Personally, I have found it helpful to keep connections alive across the spectrum. It enlivens and deepens my feminism and I think that would translate to other women as well. Having said that, we all must make attempts to contact the voices throughout history made and history in the making. You will find a great many 2nd wave voices on the internet as well as in other settings. Women become stronger when we explore what came before and what is happening. What is amazing to me is reading words already written and spoken by other waves and being revisited as new. I think we would all move forward if we did not have to constantly reinvent the wheel of our movement. That is a finding of my research and explored in your posting a lack of exposure to "voices".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-79148225798469838992009-01-24T17:51:00.000-08:002009-01-24T17:51:00.000-08:00Kate, I definitely think that an acceptance of "mi...Kate, I definitely think that an acceptance of "mistakes" or "missteps" is definitely a step in the right direction. I think where I see the biggest problem is in the tendency for the media, and by extension, society, to judge and compare people, whether public figures or just people on the street, with others. It's definitely a subtle balance between holding women up as an example and sending the message that women "must" live up to certain qualities to achieve or measure up. However, I definitely do agree that we are making progress in some areas with the message that it is okay to adapt and to change directions in life.jpetroroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07652079710462059513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579449491523862647.post-72862057028711150752009-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:002009-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:00Jen, thanks so much for this piece. I wonder if t...Jen, thanks so much for this piece. I wonder if there is a way in which the ever-demonized media can actually be helpful toward the end of realizing we can succeed while still failing at times? The way that the media knows fewer and fewer boundaries into the lives of public figures these days, we seem to be getting quite the glimpse into the lives of women who have "failed" and then gone on to succeed again in their careers and in their personal lives. Do you think this could end up playing any sort of a beneficial role?katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09431373034999581023noreply@blogger.com