This week we visit the land of Gen Z aka IGen, aka Centennials, aka Nexters…

Generation Z is the youngest, most ethnically diverse, the largest generation in American history, comprising 27% of the US population. Current Population: 23 million and growing rapidly.

Gen Z is described as a maker generation, a far more pragmatic and practical generation who must architect and build the future we are all trying to imagine living in. The world doesn’t need more foundational layers, it needs a generation to create. There is a belief that the best way to predict the future is to build it.

And Gen Z has been described as BUILDERS and human justice warriors. They are living out loud. Their gifts are bridges. And remember bridges go 2 ways. So, our gifts become our tickets across the bridges into one another’s lives.

 Their growth is a very profound experience. It can be beautiful and ugly, empowering and confining, thought-provoking and mind-boggling, pleasant and unpleasant, all at the same time.

Writer Howard Thurman says, “don’t ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive, and then go do it.”

Today we have a wonderful ambassador from the I generation, who is living out loud, sharing his gifts and talents internationally. I have been looking forward to sharing him with you. Mr. Nyliek Brooks, an 18-year-old, international soccer player shares authentically and vulnerably his story of the hard choices of his journey so far.