I’m not a Millennial, but the parent of one. I always encouraged my son to follow his heart and pursue what he loves. Yes, he chose to go the traditional route of college. Initially, he was computer science major. By the end of his first year, he had put the paperwork into change his major to Mechanical Engineering. He took courses over the summer, so he could graduate on time. He also went to a school that required him to do several co-ops.

I’m a big believer in co-op’s in college, so that you can see if it is really what you want to do. He loved his jobs and learned that he needs to be a hands-on engineer. For him that means no big corporations, that won’t let him build prototypes, tinker with, or run tests on the products.

I wish more schools offered co-op experience. I think it helps students decide if they enjoy the work in their chosen field. I graduated from a university that required co-ops to graduate in the 80’s. It gives you a view of what the work environment will be like.

You are right about how technology is changing the world. It opens a world of choice. That is the message I gave my son. Choose what you love and no matter what I will support you. That support at times has come at a cost to him. Like the Christmas, I made him dress up and dance for his tech.

But he chose to do it for a 3d printer. He would kill me if he knew I posted this and it will be stored forever on the blockchain. But, I chose to do it.

I see your message as one of choice. You get to choose how you create your life. And, finally, just know that there are some Baby Boomers out there that will support your choice!