Generation gaps

[Elgin Clock]

For me personally, I see the generation gap on my team. Thankfully, I am most likely the bridge between that gap.

Growing up, I hung out with older family members and friends (older being 10+ years) but also grew up with many younger cousins who I also hung out with (middle school aged now).

On my team, I feel I am the bridge because I hear stories/gossip/information (whatever you want to call it at the time) from both the older generation mentors and the HS kids.

Effective generation gap bridging requires you to take a hands off approach to listening to each side, but then convey it effectively to either party in terms they understand and will accept. This is true whether it be a conflict between the groups, or just a means of relaying info back and forth.

IE: If there is a problem between "management" on our team and the students, then I seem to be the one the students tell the problems about first. It's not because they want me to necessarily get involved I don't think, but that they can relate to me due to the generation gap being smaller between myself and them as opposed to them and the older mentors.

As I once said, I have the best of both worlds on my team. I can always discuss issues with either side with comfort, but then try and resolve them in a way that both sides can relate.

This carries on into my everyday life as well, and dealing with drama.

Let me tell you, the scariest day ever was the day that I realized since I am a mentor, people actually take my advice and I should be careful of what kind of advice I give.

It's no longer just a simple discussion anymore between friends, but some talks I have had with people (especially during these last 3-4 months) have made me realize that since people value my opinion, I should take things seriously once in a while.. while still retaining an easy going and laid back nature and trying to make things as cheerful and funny (at times) as possible.

So, the key to bridging a huge generation gap between older mentors (30 through 50+ year olds) & the students (15-18 mostly) is to have some people in ages that range from top extreme to lower extreme to make talking about things easier to do for folks..

I can safely say that because of my closeness in age (26) to the students than some of the other mentors, I know a lot more stories personally than they do about things that go on.