Growing Up as Generation X in the Midwest

 

Growing up in the Midwest as part of Generation X was an experience like no other. We were the kids who rode our bikes until the streetlights came on, the generation that witnessed the transition from analog to digital, and the ones who lived through the rise of pop culture phenomena that defined an era. Ok, thats a lie. I was never a fan of bikes.

My Younger Days

The Midwest in the 70s and 80s was a place where communities were tight-knit, and everyone knew their neighbors. We spent our summers playing outside and swimming in the pool. My mom would throw my sister and I on the train by ourselves that was heading towards downtown Chicago to be picked up our grandmother on the other side. 

Our winters were filled with snowball fights and ice skating on frozen ponds. Some of us were lucky to live on the lake so it was always accessible. There was a sense of freedom and adventure in the air, as we roamed far and wide without the constant supervision that is common today. It felt safe. Or at least it did in my own mind.

Growing up with my pop culture and music

Our lives were heavily influenced by the music and pop culture of the time. We were the generation that saw the birth of MTV, and we spent countless hours watching music videos from iconic bands like Duran Duran, The Cure, and Guns N' Roses. I even remember seeing Toni Basil's "Mickey" video, which my babysitter watched for it to come on.

I was cool before it was "in" to be cool.

As children of the baby boomers, we were the first to experience the dawn of the digital age. I still remember the excitement of logging onto a bulletin board system (BBS) for the first time, hearing the screeching sound of the modem connecting, and the thrill of discovering a whole new world online. We were the original gadget geeks, eagerly adopting the latest technology and setting the stage for the tech-savvy generations that followed.

Latchkey Kids

Growing up in the Midwest also taught us resilience and independence. We were often left to our own devices, figuring things out as we went along. This fostered a strong sense of self-reliance and problem-solving skills for most of us that have served us well throughout our lives. We learned to balance work and play, and to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

Bridging Generations

As the bridge between the baby boomers and millennials, I had a unique vantage point. I've seen the world change in profound ways and have adapted to these changes with a sense of curiosity and adaptability. Our experiences have shaped us into a generation that values authenticity, hard work, and the importance of staying connected to our roots.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, growing up as Generation X in the Midwest was a formative experience that has left an mark on who we are today. I seen the best of both worlds—the simplicity of a pre-digital age and the endless possibilities of the technological revolution. Our journey has been one of growth, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the moments that have defined our generation.