GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 14 - GenZ Series: Abdel
Episode Summary
In Episode 14 of the GenZ Series, Abdel discusses his unique experience as a Zillennial, bridging the gap between Gen Z and Millennials. He shares insights on growing up with and without technology, the impact of social media on youth, and his journey in the baseball industry, including his current role with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Key Takeaways
- Abdel identifies as a Zillennial, born in 1997, experiencing both a tech-free childhood and a tech-savvy adolescence.
- He emphasizes the privilege of growing up without social media, which helped reduce feelings of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
- Abdel's journey in baseball began with internships, leading to his current role with the Milwaukee Brewers.
- He highlights the importance of hard work and persistence in achieving career goals, especially in a competitive field like sports.
- Abdel discusses the significance of mental health resources for young athletes in professional sports.
- He notes the increasing international competition in baseball, particularly from players in the Dominican Republic.
- Abdel believes that humility and self-awareness are crucial traits for success in any career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Zillennial?
A Zillennial is a micro-generation that falls between Gen Z and Millennials, typically born in the late 1990s. They experienced a childhood without technology and an adolescence with it.
How has social media impacted youth today?
Social media has amplified feelings of FOMO among young people, making them acutely aware of what they might be missing out on in real-time, unlike previous generations.
What is Abdel's role with the Milwaukee Brewers?
Abdel works as a tech assistant with the Milwaukee Brewers, focusing on game preparation, player development, and utilizing technology to enhance player performance.
What advice does Abdel give for pursuing a career in sports?
He emphasizes the importance of hard work, persistence, and being proactive in seeking opportunities, as well as maintaining humility and self-awareness.
How do major league teams support young international players?
Teams invest in developing young international players by providing resources for their growth, including language training, cultural assimilation, and mental health support.
Featured guests: Abdel
Description
In this episode we welcome Abdel, who is a GenZ/Zillennial. Abdel shares with us how he grew up in a bilingual home where his Dominican parents made sure he was fluent in both Spanish and English. He reflects on his love of baseball in childhood and how at a young age he knew that he wanted to work behind the scenes with the players and an MLB team. We get a glimpse into his college years at Florida State University that included gaining a true brotherhood of lifelong friends through Kappa Sig fraternity. Abdel touches on how Covid forced him to put his dreams of working in the MLB on hold and how he had to temporarily pivot his career. Nevertheless, Abdel’s perseverance paid off with an internship with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He continued to pursue his dream by accepting a position in the minor leagues which led him to his current role with the Milwaukee Brewers. We loved having Abdel as a guest and look forward to his return in the future.