Generation Nation: Self-Reflection & Interviewing Activity | PBS American Portrait

Generation Nation: A PBS American Portrait Story explores how people in different age groups, from adolescents to seniors, see themselves and their place in the United States. It reveals the common experiences that bind people together within and across age groups and the generational differences that can put us at odds with one another.

In these activities created by two young journalists and recent PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs alumni, students will draw inspiration from the program to complete a self-reflection about their life, goals, and anxieties.Next, students will interview people in their lives from different generations, practicing Covid-safe social distancing measures while doing so. Students will have the opportunity to compare their own reflections to those of the people they interview, and consider if the experience of interviewing peers and elders has caused any of their personal responses to change. 

About the Authors:

Mercedes Ezeji is a recent graduate of the University of North Texas where she received her bachelors of arts in Broadcast Journalism. She joined PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs sophomore year of high school, and attended the SRL Academy the summer after her senior year. In 2019 Mercedes was selected to be a PBS Gwen Ifill Fellow. Currently Mercedes spends her time learning new media skills, keeping up with current events, and meditating. 

Lilly Waterfall is a sophomore at Michigan State University studying Media and Information, and has been a part of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs since sophomore year of high school. Lilly went to the PBS Summer Academy in the years of 2018 and 2019. She is passionate about media and hopes to use her knowledge to make the world a better place.