The Millennials' Sense of Service

Jerome Tse is a student in the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. Originally from Boston, Jerome plans to obtain a degree in hospitality. He is also a Cornell ambassador and enjoys working at the front office of the university-run Statler Hotel. I have known Jerome’s father professionally for several years and recall the photographs of Jerome and his siblings on his father’s work desk. As Jerome reached college age, I recruited him as a stellar applicant to my alma mater. In many ways, Jerome represents the voice of the Millennial generation, and I am happy to welcome him as a guest columnist on Strange Tango’s Millennials platform.  

Hospitality, as defined by the Millennial generation’s sense of service, is a necessity in everyday life.

The prominent hotelier E.M. Statler once said, “Life is service; the one who progresses is the one who gives his fellow man a little more, a little better service.” A desire to help others demonstrates a sense of community purpose that is incomparable. For when people prioritize others’ demands over their own needs, not only do they advance the lives of others, but they also distinguish themselves by their willingness to place the collective good above their own personal desires.

In many ways, this sense of collaboration is what separates the Millennials from other generations. Therefore: service, in the minds of the Millennial generation, is a prioritized virtue and a valuable attribute to have.