In history classes we learned everything about baby boomers and the Second World War. Through movies, television, and popular music we’ve been exposed to hippies, and the youthful revolution of that generation. We’ve all probably heard of Generation Xers, although the technical definition of that group of people might be hard to put a finger on – for us and them both. But do we, the young people of today, even know the name of our generation?
We are classified as Generation Y, which technically includes anyone born between 1982 and 1994. That’s a pretty huge group of people, if you think about it. Generation Y’s have definitely watched a lot of change unfold throughout modern history. But how will we be remembered by future generations?
Sara Cohen is a Maryland, Virginia native and freshman the University of Rochester, who works for a website called WEbook which publishes young writers’ novels online. Sara also implemented the “Top Writers Under 20” project for the website, and has become passionate about Generation Y’s after working so closely with them.
The poet August Wilhelm von Schlegel, once said “Literature is the immortality of speech.” Therefore, like every other generation, the stories we tell will outlive us, and will be remembered and revisited for generations to come. Apparently, we have a lot of stories to tell. Our submissions dominate WEbook’s website, and Sara thinks Gen Y’s are such passionate and dedicated writers because “more than any generation of writer’s before, we observe the world, we are addicted to novels, we aspire to be our favorite authors and to share our insights as eloquently as they do.” Sara, through working on WEbook, is the link between those of us who have stories to tell, and those who want to listen.
One has to wonder why Sara is so committed to helping her generation. Simply put, she is inspired, “our generation is full of bright, innovative individuals who are incredibly talented but still are looking for ways to get their voices heard. I’d love for more people to read and fall in love with their work as I have. Gen Y’s should not be dismissed or overlooked, they are willing and not afraid to challenge the status quo and turn stereotypes on their head– whether in the workplace or in literature.”
So there you have it. Us Generation Y’s, although not often recognized as a group are making our voices heard. Maybe Sara, a shining example of the Gen Y’s she is dedicated to, will discover the writer who is the voice of our generation, whose literature and legacy will define us for decades to come.
For more information on WEbook, and submitting your own writing, visit webook.com
