Emily Hanna: What will your legacy be, class of 2023?

Dear class of 2023:

Congratulations! You have made it through some of the most difficult high school years in human history, and I’d like to offer a little bit of insight to help you create a strong legacy for the next generation.

My generation — Generation X — was influenced by the baby boomers, nicknamed the “Me Generation.” Baby boomers taught us that working hard, finishing school, getting a great job, finding a mate, buying a house and having a family would guarantee a happy, successful and advantageous life. They gave us this promise because they grew up watching the “Greatest Generation” save and reuse every container, scrap of material, piece of clothing, and pair of shoes, efforts which helped them survive World War II and turn the United States into the envy of many other nations.

What the baby boomers didn’t warn us of, however, were climbing divorce rates. So-called “broken” homes became commonplace, forcing single-income families to rely on friends and family for childcare. Unfortunately this role often landed on the eldest child. It became a major load on a teenager, who hadn’t fully formed identities of their own.

Baby boomers also didn’t warn us about corrupt politicians. Though many Gen Xers were born under a Nixon presidency, baby boomers had Ronald Reagan, who promised a false sense of security under capitalism; causing a great divide that nearly wiped out the entire middle class.

Gen Xers weren’t shown that mental illness was something that was OK to talk about — or even seek help for. Grievously, you, Generation Z graduates, are paying the price of this idealism, holding the record for the highest suicide rate of all the generations.

Gen X felt the need to rebel against every social norm because our promises were reneged. Then, just when we thought it might be possible to achieve what we had worked so hard toward, the COVID-19 outbreak put us in financial ruin, ruined our trust in others, and ultimately caused us to become bitter.

Gen Zers are no strangers to this. You have had to endure some of the worst circumstances. I feel we have failed you as a role-model generation.

The majority of Gen X haven’t risen up against injustice and corruption and against basic human rights. We passed on our trauma to the millennials who, despite our failures, fought for increased inclusion and diversity. Kudos to them for softening the blow we gave you.

Generational trauma is, to an extent, inevitable, but each generation passes down great gifts and ideals to move our nation forward. This is the human condition.

To those who came before me: I am grateful for the Greatest Generation’s strength and resourcefulness, as well as baby boomers’ tenacity and idealism. As for those who follow: I thank the millennials for their compassion and kindness, and I applaud Gen X’s resilience and refusal to conform to social norms.

My question to you, dear graduates of 2023, is: What will your generation’s legacy be?

Will you allow our influence of hopelessness, bitterness and mistrust guide you to discourage future generations? Or will you be able to, as a wise practicing Buddhist monk once told me, enjoy the sunshine, even on the worst days?

I urge you to use the lessons you have been given. Against suicide, shootings and tragedies, show strength, tenacity, resilience and compassion. Against corruption, bigotry and social injustice, show resourcefulness, idealism, refusal to accept social norms, and kindness.

Remember that you are capable of anything. Take the sunshine you were gifted by your previous generations and use it to see you through the worst of days.

This is your chance, we all hand you this world to design. Take the darkness found in every theoretical corner and make your world blindly shine!

Much love and congratulations to Gen Z’s class of 2023! You’ve already made me proud and sparked hope in this Gen Xer’s hopeless heart. Think of what you can still achieve.

Cheers to a good life!

Emily Hanna is a native Utahn, with a little bit of Nashville in her heart. She is the former co-writer and editor of the Alta Club’s newsletter. Now she enjoys exploring many forms of art, currently with bone carving.