ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: As a member of Gen Z, many of my social media feeds are filled with rotating headlines about the latest global news. I have noticed that many of my friends are unsure about how to develop as young adults during such a transitional point in time. As a generation that grew up during the rise of technology and experienced many major events like COVID-19 and Hurricane Katrina, it can seem like no one person is able to fix everything. This is where I think community becomes important; however, it is hard to create serious change in an era of short social media attention spans. Although it may be difficult, it is important for us to understand each other and figure out how we can support the causes we care about. How would you recommend that young people begin organizing in-person groups in the digital age? -- Gen Z

DEAR GEN Z: I often say that we win when we can marry technology with humanity. HereÕs an opportunity. In order to organize anything, you need at least one person to ignite the interest and set up the gathering. That one person -- possibly you -- can then rally a team to use social media to invite people to come together. Use simple, compelling language to spark an interest. Plan an activity around a topic that interests you that you think will appeal to others. Do some research to learn how activists have organized in the past so that you arenÕt starting from scratch. The extent to which you and your core team can get organized will help to determine success for those who gather.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I always enjoy reading your replies and advice while I eat lunch and regain my focus for the second half of my day. This is the first time I've felt compelled to reply, to the reader "Bad Mom," who was concerned her son was not ready for the Marines.

No one is prepared for Marine Corps boot camp. I was an honor student in high school and didn't play anything more strenuous than basketball. I joined the Marines for many of the same reasons: I wanted a challenge and to expand my horizons and make a meaningful impact. I am happy to say, I graduated boot camp, earned meritorious promotion and went on to serve honorably for four years during the Gulf War. Marines are known as devil dogs, feared by our adversaries and begrudgingly recognized by our peers as fierce, loyal and uncompromisingly stubborn professionals throughout the world. It truly shaped who I was and continue to be today.

As an aside, Bad Mom, don't worry: I am now a respectable vice president with a Ph.D. in the pharmaceutical development field known for being fierce in the boardroom, loyal to those who work with me and uncompromising when it comes to quality, ethical practices and client commitments. -- Semper Fi

DEAR SEMPER FI: Thank you for sharing your story. Several veterans have written in to encourage parents to allow their children to go into the military if that is their desire. As you describe, the discipline and focus required can help prepare a person for a successful life beyond the military.

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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole

COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.