There was an unusual buzz in the hallway between first and second periods that morning. As I headed into my freshman English class I was struck by the oddity that my teacher had the TV on. Not only was it on, but it was extremely loud and everyone’s attention was immediately turned toward what was on the screen. Soon I joined the class, eyes, and ears glued to the tube. It was September 11, 2001.

I entered class just after 9:00AM, minutes after the first World Trade Center Tower had been flown into. As a 14-year-old boy, it would not be for another decade where I realized the immensity of what I was watching. Unfolding before my very eyes were events that would change travel, our nation, and history. I now know what it is like to live through a historical incident. I now know how my parents felt when they spoke of the Vietnam War. I now know what Grandpa felt when he talked about World War II. But I also know what it is like for this year’s college freshmen to look back on an event as “just history”.

Events like 9/11 shape individuals, nations, and generations’ perspectives on the world. These types of happenings mold a worldview. But so does the absence of these events. That is why I love seeing The Marist Mindset list. With each incoming class of college freshmen comes a slightly different worldview and some of that is part of what they have or have not experienced as a generation. This year’s Marist Mindset List for the Entering College Class of 2023 is a fantastic insight into a generation. One of my favorites from this year’s list is “Pittsburgh’s Steelers and Pirates have never played at Three Rivers Stadium” – that’s crazy and depressing all at the same time.

Anyway, if you have college students, know a college student, or care in any way about the next generation, The Marist Mindset list is an annual must-read. So bookmark it, come back to it, and enjoy learning about the next generation.

As always, be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day and comment below your favorite truth from this year’s Marist Mind List.

Photo by Aidan Bartos on Unsplash