In the midst of the turbulence that America and the rest of the world is facing. One particularly complex question worth asking lingers. How will all of this effect young people in the future?

With the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and social unrest over systemic racism. The impact of all of this will leave a lifelong impact on young people. Including today’s college athletes and future college athletes. There’s the economic impact but more importantly there’s the emotional impact to consider. Both are frankly hard to fully comprehend right now.

Every generation goes through innocence-ripping events that define their childhoods. For my millennial generation it was 9/11, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Great Recession. For my parents generation it was the Vietnam War, the Cold War, multiple assassinations, 1968, Watergate and decolonization. The Great Depression and World War II shaped my Grandparents generation. These are just a few of the events that have shaped these generations. Civil and human rights struggles have played a role in the lives of all American generations. 2020 is shaping up to be an era-defining year for today’s students and toddlers.

These events shape generations in subtle and profound ways. I can think of several ways that events are already shaping millennials. Dysfunction has shaped our engagement with and lack of trust in institutions. This and social media have contributed to us being somewhat emotionally detached. While economic uncertainty leaves many in precarious states.

Among the first Gen Z students, college athletes are facing a unique situation right now. Not only facing all of this uncertainty with their non-athlete peers. Uncertainty also swirls around their college sporting careers. Multiple programs are already being cut due to budget constraints. The University of Cincinnati’s men’s soccer program is one of those programs. More programs are likely to be cut in the next several months. Uncertainty also still hovers around how next season will go for several sports.

Along with those issues, athletes are facing the struggles that everyone’s facing. Their daily routines have been disrupted due to COVID-19 too. Many are separated from their families, friends, teammates and classmates. Add potential tensions in locker rooms emerging or re-emerging onto that. In the midst of the social unrest in recent days over racial inequities.

How teammates and coaches respond to the issues underlying the discontent could unify or polarize teams. Anger over Drew Brees’ recent comments on National Anthem protests stand out as one example. Xavier Basketball head coach Travis Steele’s response to George Floyd’s killing is another. While Brees’ statement drew anger; Steele’s tweet drew largely positive reactions or no reaction at all. Making it easier for his team to stay unified during this tense time. Steele’s tweet seemed well thought out, heartfelt and genuine. A positive reflection of his values and character. 

When it comes to young athletes views; Corey Kiner provides a unique perspective. On how young athletes are coping with the uncertainty and social tension. Particularly how African American athletes are navigating through this moment. He’s a Roger Bacon High School football star and future LSU Football player. Sharing his views on Twitter and with The Cincinnati Enquirer in recent days.

There are many young people that can relate with Kiner. Regardless of whether they’re athletes, racial minorities, both or neither. This moment will leave a currently immeasurable impact on all of us. Shaping today’s students even after they become tomorrow’s graduates. The consequences of this moment will shape our collective character. 

One impressive thing about humanity is our ability to endure and evolve. Despite shortcomings, America has always tried to endure and evolve too. Making progress through every generation to build a more perfect union. It’s one of many reasons why, as a young Biracial American, I still have faith in America. People of all ages and backgrounds are striving to build a more loving world. Young people’s commitment to building that world is an encouraging sign. That the kids will be alright and America’s best ideals will endure.