Editorial: Gen Z
Liz Birdie Ong is a medical student in Dublin and Nucleus student editor
‘I feel like I could die tomorrow’, that’s what she said, the theatre nurse, during my summer elective. Born in 2008, our patient (already anaesthetised) had towered over everyone in the cath lab, his features well-defined, youthful but not childlike. Confused, the anaesthesiologist asked her if she was referring to the Taylor Swift concert happening that weekend in Dublin. She clarified that she, looking no older than 35, simply felt ‘so old’. This patient, and I, and probably you, dear reader, make up Generation Z — the youngest of which have just entered secondary school.
The generation in this hot seat comprises a cohort of individuals born from 1997 to 2012 — preceded by Millennials/Gen Y (1981-1996), Gen X (1965-1980), Boomers (1946-64), and the Silent Generation (1928-1945). However, before diving into any analysis, it is wise to be cognisant of a few facts: that there are always exceptions to the general rule, and there is an age-old human tendency to dismiss the younger generations. In a Reddit thread (yes, Reddit) discussing Gen Z in medicine, one sensible comment observed: ‘We have thousands of years of recorded history of the olds deploring the failures and weaknesses and changed ways of the young’ — even from the days of Aristotle.[1]
So, really, any questions raised shouldn’t be one of the relative superiority of particular generations. Rather, I hope this edition helps highlight how to better interact, engage with, and help Gen Z-ers as they find their way in this world.
Hey fam, Liz here, resident student editor of Nucleus, CMF’s student publication, lowkey excited when receiving articles written by fellow students like urselves cuz that’s what makes this publication lit ngl — by students, for students, discussing tales from the intersection between faith and medicine. Also comes with personalised feedback, no cap. That article idea that’s been living rent-free in ur head? Bring it to us, and we’ll help you give it the ultimate glow-up, like fr. Okay, I’ll stop trying so hard and crack on with what this edition has to offer — some pretty fine stuff tbh.
Our outgoing NSC co-chair tackles the problem of hurry in this generation with practical solutions, drawing from the wisdom of John Mark Comer’s book. Our dear Marolin Watson provides some timeless wisdom tailored to the current times, and if you did not make Student Conference this year (theme: Courage in the Chaos), then let Akua’s words bring you some highlights, lessons, and encouragements.
As always, there are some news reviews for your morning commute — about drug and job shortages, future pandemics, AI, and more. Ruth and Elise regale you with stories, challenges, and lessons from their electives in Papua New Guinea and South Africa, respectively. Managing Editor Laurence considers our near-obsession with safety, and how our faith might inform this.
Reflecting on my own generation reminds me of characters like Caleb and Joshua, Daniel and his three friends, Queen Esther, Mary, John the disciple whom Jesus loved, Timothy, and countless more — who during their ‘canon event’ must have been the age Gen Z-ers currently are — who despite being very human, still embodied much courage in their chaos, to live a life that is obedient and, hence, victorious. I’ve been incredibly encouraged by what I’ve seen from my peers, and come what end-of-the-world-apocalyptic-Armageddon may, my wish is that you always ‘[hold] on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith’ (1 Timothy 1:19). Ultimately, I still believe that, however frightening or challenging the future may seem, exciting times lie ahead, especially knowing whose loving and almighty hands the future — your future — resides in.
Cheers,
Liz
