Generation Y swarms campuses

The Millennial Generation, known for having access to e-mail, fast food and cell phones, has taken over college campuses.

As another school year begins, freshman classes are filled with students who are members of the Millennial Generation, also known as Generation Y. The group includes anyone who was born after 1980.

But what makes this generation so different from Baby Boomers and Generation X?

"We are the generation that has always experienced technology," said Brad Cox, a freshman in chemical engineering. "No other generation has experienced it as much as what we have."

Cox is talking about cell phones, computers, PDAs and a myriad of other electronic devices that allow everyone to communicate better.

"It is like we are the link between the primitive ways and the advanced form of life," Cox said.

As all generations change, the Millennial Generation must keep up with advancements society makes.

"We are a product of natural progression and each generation is supposed to pass the one before it," said Amy Mazzei, a freshman in nursing. "We are learning from our parents and grandparents and putting a new twist on it."

The members of this generation are aware of the upgrade in lifestyle from what their parents experienced. Not only have they been able to grow with technology, they have had more opportunities to be involved as leaders and in service to the community.

"This generation is more service-oriented," said Kay Robinson, Coordinator of Student Involvement and Leadership for the Ohio Union. "We notice most of the students attending Ohio State have participated in service programs before they even attend college."

Every generation is challenged with societal issues which directly affect them.

"I know when I was in college I just paid my tuition and would never have questioned how much it was," Robinson said. "But this generation feels a sense of entitlement. They want to know what they are getting for their money."

Many say the Millennial Generation must take an active role to ensure the vitality of the world.

"With all of the issues about how the world is deteriorating, my generation feels a responsibility to make sure there is a world for tomorrow," said Alex Daly, a freshman in business administration. "So we have become more involved in politics and the environment by looking toward the future and how it will affect us and the people after us."

But even with all of the advancements in technology, what negative aspects are this generation facing?

"Unfortunately they do not have a true educational system which will prepare them for the future," said Ron Parker, Program Manager of the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center. "The media projects a false sense of the work force."

These opportunities include diverse cultural experiences that will help compensate where the system has failed them, Parker said.

However, "by far the millennial students have more opportunities than the generations behind them," he said.