The iGen generation is setting trends
IGens, also known as “Gen Z” or “Centennials,” are different from other generations, and also the same

By Christine Urio

Longtime teachers and coaches comment about the iGen generation:

—Deborah Hewitt, Chester Academy Math teacher, who has been working with teens for 38 years

—Gregory Sirico, athletic director at Warwick Valley High School, working in the field for 25 years

—Ray LaCroix, 22 year teacher at West Milford High School in New Jersey who's coached varsity girls basketball coach for 17 years

“They're definitely better at multi-tasking than my generation used to be. They're used to using technology, and can use it while doing other things.”

“They tend to be unique in terms of dress, hair styles—they're not afraid to be adventurous coming into school with blue or red hair or piercings that make them stand out, whereas when I was growing up standing out was the last thing I wanted to do."

“They're nice, have good discipline, are respectful and more motivated, and [they] understand the value of education. They've made our community population more academic overall.”

“I think that they're more dependent on it [technology] than other generations because they have access to it.”

“The girls come to practice now-a-days wearing colored sneakers and socks, as opposed to back in the day where there were black and white sneakers, and now there's every color. That kind of uniqueness and being able to stand out with the uniform you wear, not everyone does, but certainly kids, male and female, take advantage of that.”

“I look at what the kids have access to, and if I had that in high school, I'd be using it, too. I can't image not having my phone. We get used to it, and it can be a wonderful thing.”

“They want to be involved in positive programs and respect each other.”

“Get involved in school or athletics, go to a four year school or a tech school, there will always be a need for jobs. If you take advantage of what's out there, there's going to be a lot of opportunities.”

“The pressures from coaching, the demands from parents and that sort of stuff hasn't changed—kids are kids.”