The holiday season is here, and while we’re gathering to express gratitude for all that we have, it’s also a perfect time to reflect on how we can give back. In today’s world, we hear a lot about how the next generation faces unprecedented challenges entering the workforce. They are called entitled, lazy, or unmotivated. But the truth? They’re simply navigating a world vastly different from the one we grew up in. It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines, but it takes real commitment to shift from talking about a problem to doing something about it. That's where the character trait ofservicebecomes powerful: by embodying service, we can help reshape the narrative about this new generation—and equip them to succeed with resilience and purpose.
Understanding Service as Action, Not Just Words
Service is more than lending a helping hand; it’s about committing to actions that foster growth, empathy, and empowerment. When it comes to the next generation, embodying service means moving beyond passive support and actively participating in their development. This goes beyond giving advice or a roadmap; it means working alongside them, guiding them as they explore and grow, and sharing skills that will carry them through life's professional and personal challenges.
For young adults, the principles of service—selflessness, responsibility, and purpose—are not only lessons to learn but also to live by. If we want to prepare them for a future filled with rapid change and uncertainty, teaching them the value of serving others is foundational. Service, in essence, encourages them to view success not just as a personal gain but as a collective endeavor where they contribute positively to the lives of others.
Why Service is the Solution
When we engage in service with the next generation, we put action behind the problem of unprepared young adults in the workforce. It’s one thing to tell young people to work hard and be resilient; it’s another to provide them with tools and opportunities that enable these values to grow organically within them. Here’s how service can help us bridge this gap:
- Creating Mentorship Opportunities Mentorship is one of the most powerful acts of service. In many cases, it’s not enough to simply tell the next generation to “figure it out.” They need trusted guides who model, advise, and walk beside them. Through mentorship, we can encourage critical thinking, confidence, and the pursuit of purpose over status. By offering our own experiences and wisdom, we help them see that the workforce is not a monolithic structure to be feared but a dynamic environment where they can and should have agency.
- Fostering Empathy and Understanding Serving others requires understanding different perspectives, valuing diversity, and communicating effectively—skills that every young professional needs. By building these values through service, we prepare them to contribute meaningfully in any workplace, create healthier relationships, and navigate workplace challenges with compassion and confidence.
- Encouraging Action and Ownership The beauty of service is that it empowers individuals to take ownership of the impact they create. As we model service for young adults, we’re teaching them that they don’t have to passively accept the world as it is; they have the power to influence and improve it. When they see that their actions matter, they gain a sense of purpose, accountability, and a willingness to tackle obstacles, both within and beyond the workplace.
Building a Legacy of Service Together
At Durable Minds Everboarding, we strive to help the next generation grow into resilient, capable, and compassionate leaders. Our approach to service is grounded in providing actionable tools, from character development programs to skills training, that allow young people to see themselves as both learners and leaders. We focus on empowering them to move past feelings of inadequacy and into a mindset of possibility, where they can explore who they are and how they can positively impact the world.
We believe that service doesn’t just change the world—it shapes the people who perform it. By committing to actions over words, we’re shifting the conversation around the next generation from critique to constructive support. We are putting power behind our words, helping these young adults become not just “work-ready” but life-ready.
In the end, if we want to foster a more resilient, purpose-driven workforce, we must focus on creating spaces that support growth and empathy. This means continuing to guide, encourage, and challenge young adults in ways that allow them to flourish on their own terms, with a foundation in service. We can—and should—be there, walking alongside them, enriching lives and workplaces with each step.
Take Action: How You Can Serve Today
As we gather this holiday season, let’s reflect on how we can also give back. Consider how you can offer your time, knowledge, or skills to support the younger generation. It can be as simple as offering guidance, volunteering, or even taking a young professional under your wing. By committing to serve, we’re not only improving their lives but also contributing to a more capable, compassionate future workforce—one that’s ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Service is not just an idea; it’s a call to action. The next generation deserves more than words; they need us to believe in them, invest in them, and show them the impact of a life committed to service. This holiday season, let’s use the spirit of gratitude to inspire a legacy of service, one that uplifts and prepares young adults for their brightest futures.
Written by: Jillian Ferry
Jillian Ferry is the Co-Founder and CEO of Durable Minds Everboarding. Durable Minds Everboarding bridges the gap between school and work, empowering young adults to confidently take charge of their careers.
The Onboard Yourself course is at the heart of this mission, providing essential tools to help students transition smoothly from education to the workforce. With practical lessons on everything from landing a job to growing a career, this program equips the next generation to succeed in their careers.
To learn more about the Onboard Yourself course and our commitment to empowering students, visit us at www.dmeverboarding.com.
