Millennial Reflections: Challenges and Growth

"I'm Mary Ann Mabaquio, a 39-year-old from Mendez, Cavite, born in 1981. I proudly identify as a Millennial."

"Our generation, on a general level, is highly curious, full of passion, multitaskers, and instant learners focused on personal growth. Our generation is also considered as an entitled generation but values-driven. Our generation is special because we know how it was during the pre-wifi, pre-cell, pre-internet, pre-social media, pre-app, pre-selfie era."

"The few common challenges affecting our generation today are Addiction to Technology – where we tend to be hooked on every device or gadget that we are willing to spend more money to get/buy. But our generation is blessed because we get to witness and experience how technology begins and makes life more convenient. Next is Unemployment - High unemployment rates make it difficult for our generation to find work and support ourselves. Third is Mental Health issues - The pressure to succeed and the fast-paced world our generation faces every single day lead to our generation being stressed, anxious, and depressed."

"We can respond to these issues by Thinking positively - maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on the bright side of life. Change your perspective - Be open to new ideas and ways of thinking."

"My advice to my fellow youth: Build self-confidence - believe in yourself and in your abilities. Treat Every Experience Like a Learning Opportunity. Lastly, pause and learn to smell the flowers which means to have fun along the way – just enjoy the journey and find pleasure in the small things in life."