By Aira Julie Gianan | The Red Chronicles
Photo Courtesy | Unsplash
I want to do everything, all at once.
I want to ace law school while perfecting my baking skills, becoming the ultimate plantita, and writing a book that people cannot put down. But on the other hand, I also want to do TikTok, belting out Ariana Grande songs one day and acting in funny skits the next.
I dream of being everything…
May it be a student, creator, performer, or entrepreneur, all at the same time. What is even funnier is that I even want to go to Area 51 just to check if there is really a basement with aliens in it. Perhaps I am insane, as I want to also get a taste of being a Disney princess for a day or simply find a spot to just stare at nothing and let my mind wander. It is a mess, I know; it is beyond chaotic. My mind is saying that I can do more, I can dream more, I can be more. Is this how we Gen Z’s roll?
So, what are Gen Z’s?
I am part of Generation Z, also known as the iGeneration, made up of people born from 1995 onwards.1 We are often called the most diverse generation, and honestly, I see that diversity everywhere. May it be in our cultures, ideas, and how we express ourselves. Growing up completely in the digital era and have been dubbed as the “digital natives”2 because we have always had smartphones in hand and a world of information just a tap away. Our identity has been shaped by so many things: there is the impact of COVID-19,3 the rise of TikTok, Instagram Stories, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), and, of course, Facebook. The internet has always been part of our lives, not just as a tool but as something woven into how we connect, learn, and explore the world.
So, is there such a thing as Gen Z’s law student, huh?!
Alright, let us talk about Gen Z law students, who are the ones who will redefine what it means to practice law in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. Growing up alongside smartphones, social media, and streaming services, this generation is wired differently, literally and figuratively.
But what makes them so unique in the legal field?
For starters, we are digital natives.4 We did not have to learn technology; it has been in our DNA. Whether we are using AI tools to break down complex legal concepts, creating sleek presentations on Canva, editing videos on CapCut, or even cracking TikTok algorithms in our downtime, we know how to explore the digital landscape like pros. It is not just a skill; it is our second nature and with unlimited information always available, we have mastered the art of accessing and analyzing data quickly and efficiently.
Some law students even use social media platforms to share their sentiments, updates, a day in the life and even their recitations in law school. I am not saying that it is entirely bad or that it will necessarily compromise the privacy of professors and other law students. However, the use of social media, at some point, can lead to excessive usage that blurs the line between what is real and what is not. It creates a risk of prioritizing curated online personas over genuine interactions and could even detract from the critical thinking and focus required in the legal profession.
Of course, there are challenges, right?
I guess the challenges are, with having the unlimited information in our hands, Gen Z’s tend to box identity to many things. There are so many things we want to do, and because of that, we forget to prioritize the others. They have said that law school is a jealous mistress, and if we want to become a lawyer, we need to think of nothing but law school. But was that truly a prerequisite? Are we not capable of striving for more? Are we not allowed to ask for greater things? Are we not free to dream bigger?
There are so many Gen Z lawyers out there, and their tip is: “You can do more, you can ask for more, you can dream more, but ONE STEP AT A TIME.”
Sure, we do not want to be boxed into one identity because we know life is too short to not try everything that excites us. Sure, it gets overwhelming, but we thrive in chaos. And sure, it is where we find our creativity and purpose.
Will we master everything? Maybe not. But as a Gen Z’s, I know one thing for sure: we will have fun trying.
Note: This article was first published in Volume XVIII, Issue I print edition of The Red Chronicles.