- Garrett Young II
#MonthlyMillennial
Garrett Young II, is a senior at Eastern Oregon University (EOU), where he is majoring in Physical Activities and Health. Garrett is an active leader in several student/community organizations, including the Black Student Union, where he is the Co-Advisor of the club.
Throughout his collegiate career, Garrett has maximized opportunities that have helped him advance his professional career. One such opportunity was his internship with Northwest Basketball Camps, (NBC). Through this experience, Garrett sharpened his professional communication skills in the disciplines of public relations and community engagement, both of which are crucial skills sets specific to the practice of business management and operations. Furthermore, the NBC Internship provided Garrett with valuable experiences/skills in the areas of logistics, business operations, marketing strategies and related engagement and behavioral communication tactics.
Currently, Garrett is a Resident Assistant (RA) on campus at EOU, where he has excelled in community-building and creating a sense of belonging for the residents. In addition, Garrett is a member of the La Grande Main Street Committee. This role has afforded Garrett the opportunity to branch out into the community and help build the bridge to form better relationships between students who reside both “on and off” the EOU campus.
Additionally, despite the relationships and experiences Garrett has enjoyed thus far, he continues to work to help others. This is demonstrated through his work with the C.E.A.D Conference. Garrett has successfully helped plan the C.E.A.D Conference and other events where he was able to give and help others develop the tools to be culturally diverse.
On a more personal note, Garrett is a Nike fanatic that takes part in numerous outdoor activities, captures moments through photography, and loves to expand his knowledge through connections with people.
How do you define a millennial?
By most, millennials are defined as individuals who were born around the 80’s and the 90’s. These individuals were born into or learned to adopt the technological culture changes that have been integrated into everyday life. In my opinion, being a millennial is a mindset. I say this because millennials are changing the way individuals view work and life in general. This change, as one example, is reflected by the growth in technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. By hiring millennials, companies like these are able to develop and execute plans that connect with a diverse audience across the globe.
How would you describe your personality?
I would describe my personality as an outgoing, aspiring entrepreneur with a big heart. I define myself by these characteristics based on my desire for constant advancement, for networking opportunities, and for my adoration towards having fun with family and friends.
What is an interesting fact not many people know about you?
I have earned my first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
What are you passionate about?
I’m very passionate about building community for not only my personal network, but also for the city that I live in.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how have you overcome it?
My biggest challenge so far has been providing applicable advice to students that I advise in the Black Student Union. This has been one of my leading challenges because I have to mentor individuals and guide them to healthy well-balanced conclusions. While not-inclusive to all participants, in the past I have found it more challenging to guide people who may not have a desire to be involved. The way I was able to overcome this challenge was to help those individuals find projects or opportunities that they are passionate about. By doing this, I could help them discover their own passion and put them on track to enhancing or improving their collegiate career.
How does your culture influence your identity?
Growing up as an African American male, I have been faced with many experiences that have caused me to change the way I think about interactions I have with people. The influences may include how I present myself due to a consistent spotlight on minorities. This spotlight can influence some minorities in a negative way. However, I use this spotlight to better myself as an individual, through the way I connect with people and how they view me as a person.
What brings you happiness?
Making a positive impact on people through work and community involvement.
What is your five-year plan?
In the next 5 years, I will be working somewhere I love while making a positive impact on others every day.
