Before they leave this world

Suddenly on "the back nine" of my career (and my life) I am an acknowledged Baby Boomer on the outside looking in on the lives and futures of the generations that get the attention: Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. And I am struck by a feeling that can be best characterized as sympathetic, but with longing.

These younger generations are about family, community, diversity, connection and the importance of having experiences over owning the latest things. They embrace a workforce in which employers don't simply welcome with open arms just because these young men and women have a college diploma and a load of loan debt to repay. Their work environment demands video interviews, evaluates resumes by algorithm, stingily offers unpaid internships and shared workspace. I don't know how to advise about relating to a faceless bot. I don't even know how to defend using email in an instantly gratifying text message world.

And yet, I would give a lot to be where they are, on the edge of countless opportunities.

The digital and social media advances continue to change rapidly and challenge constantly. The chance to learn and growing in a life filled with purpose, justice and conviction. The capacity to embrace technology everywhere – as natural as the air that they breathe. I don't have the same time or energy or exposure they have—just a personal history shared when relevant and that is increasingly rare. But these best and brightest know more, learn more, buy more than my brethren. They ARE the generations most examined and we listen closely to what they need to say.

My son writes, "#BeforeILeaveThisWorld I want to see more of it, and do things that changed it for the better." I remember what this felt like and would like to feel it again. Perhaps, without too much focus on the past, I can and I will— gathering strength from the young that surround and energize me.