Graduation 2009: The What Can Be Generation

Fear not, fellow achievers of academia — commencers of the collegiate. You may have taken those bold steps (for some, you may have happily pranced) across the stage — air horns blowing, parental arms flailing, thousands of celebratory students. This moment, of course, symbolizing the conclusion of four years, maybe four-and-a-half, five … of some of the greatest memories, new friends and grueling 8:00 a.m. classes you have ever experienced in your life.

So now what? The educational system sucked you in nearly 20 years ago and has now spit you out into the world of business suits and coffee mugs. You’re faced with the question, what will I do with my life? Here is your answer: I don’t know!

Fortunately, however, your generation of college graduates is faced with more opportunities than ever before. Yes, I said it, MORE opportunities. Ignore the economic environment, because this generation is slowly panning out to be the “What Can Be?” generation.

If you have any sense of skepticism about the legitimacy of such a claim, take a look around you. CRT/tanaka, an innovative public relations and marketing agency, wakes up each and every morning to this What Can Be idea. By focusing on this notion, they consistently offer their clientele unique solutions to the age old need for communication. CRT/tanaka encourages youthful contributions to even their largest of clients, and hunt for the brightest college graduates around the country. Need more proof? Then check out the company's blog — consistently updated with employee perspectives in our ever-evolving society.

We also see a proactive approach to the What Can Be notion by USC film student Jack Robbins (yes, the son of legendary actors Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon). Though still in production, Jack is creating a documentary called Zer00s, a film about the generation of individuals who have been shaped by events within the 21st century. By attempting to define this group, the underlying tone indicates a sense of encouragement and the notion that we can in fact create unique opportunities for ourselves. What Can Be may in fact be possible through cheering an innovative spirit, all while seeking a new image and accurate depiction of this emerging generation.

So, though you may feel the grimace of the graduation gown, and although the realization may be setting in that your life will soon be transformed from a ‘keg in the closet’ to ‘bills in the mailbox,’ know that you are amongst a generation of optimism and innovation. Ask yourself, What Can Be? (!)

Photo: Clearwater Benefit Concert Celebrating Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday. Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.