Self-Discovery for Young Adults in the Midwest

By Chris Kane
/// Published: August 27, 2023
/// Last Updated: August 27, 2023

Navigating Life’s Big Decisions

The journey of self-discovery is a timeless rite of passage for young adults in the Midwest. The landscape, both physical and metaphorical, provides a unique backdrop against which personal growth unfolds. The Heartland, stretching from the mighty banks of the Mississippi to the majestic Rockies, is not just a geographical territory. The Midwest is a special place where many young individuals carve out successful life trajectories.

Start Your Journey with a Mentor

Mentors are great assets for Gen Z young adults. A mentor is an individual, usually with more experience or knowledge in a particular area. They provide guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced person like yourself. Through a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, mentors share their insights, expertise, and wisdom to foster personal and professional growth. This relationship often transcends formal instruction. Instead, it focuses on holistic development, thereby enabling you to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve your goals.

Indeed, in stable families, parents and grandparents can and do fill these roles. Sometimes, though, reaching out beyond the family may be a smart idea. Fortunately, the Midwest offers a blend of urban, suburban, and rural settings, each providing unique mentoring opportunities.

Finding your Mentor

Here is a list of places to start:

Colleges and Universities. Even if you’re not a student, many colleges and universities have outreach programs and community engagement efforts. They can offer workshops, lectures, and opportunities to connect with professionals, especially alumni, who can serve as mentors.
Professional Associations. Based on the career or field of interest, joining a local chapter of a professional association can be invaluable. These associations often have networking events, workshops, and mentor programs.
Churches and Religious Groups. Many churches have programs or groups aimed at supporting young adults. While mentorship in faith-based settings may have a religious component, it can also cover personal and professional development.
Trade Schools and Apprenticeship Programs. For those interested in specific trades or skills, apprenticeships can be an excellent way to learn and connect with an experienced professional.
Online Platforms. Websites like Meetup.com can provide local groups centered around specific interests or professions. Similarly, platforms like LinkedIn can be used to reach out to potential mentors in your field of interest.

Tip: Remember, mentorship doesn’t always come from formal programs. Sometimes, the best mentors are found through personal connections, community involvement, or simply by reaching out to someone you admire. The key is to be proactive, and curious, and open up to learning from others.

Don’t Pass on Self-Reflection

For many, especially young adult Gen Zs growing up in a hyper-connected digital age, the practice of meditation and mindfulness can serve as a counterbalance to the constant barrage of information and stimuli. Meditation offers a momentary respite, a chance to pause and reconnect with one’s inner self. This practice not only brings about a sense of calm but also fosters self-awareness and self-reflection.

Engaging in meditation helps individuals gain clarity, understand their emotions and thoughts, and become more attuned to their self-discovery goals. Fortunately, the digital age has also made it easier to access meditation and mindfulness resources. Here’s a list of some of the top resources:

Headspace: An app offering guided meditations, sleep aids, and mindfulness exercises. It’s beginner-friendly and covers a wide range of topics.
10% Happier: Based on the book by Dan Harris, this app offers practical meditation techniques and features various expert teachers.
Simple Habit: An app that focuses on 5-minute daily meditations tailored for different situations or challenges.

Tip: Online resources are an excellent way to start. However, it’s important for Gen Zs to remember the value of offline meditation practices, too. Consider group sessions or personal quiet time to harness the benefits of mindfulness and self-reflection.

Education: College or Trades?

The Midwest is home to some of the nation’s top institutions, from the University of Minnesota’s sprawling campus to the innovative research facilities of the University of Missouri. Attending college can offer you a broadened perspective, networking opportunities, and a diverse skill set.

However, the trades present a robust alternative. With cities like Omaha seeing a construction boom and the vast plains demanding constant infrastructure work, there’s a genuine demand for skilled laborers. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters often find not just stable work but also the satisfaction of creating tangible results.

Several digital resources and platforms can provide insights and guidance tailored to one’s aspirations and inclinations. Here are some of the best tools to consider:

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): This well-known personality assessment tool can help users understand their natural inclinations and preferences, which can be invaluable when considering career paths or personal development goals.
CliftonStrengths: Developed by Gallup, this assessment helps users identify their top strengths. By understanding one’s innate talents, individuals can more effectively align their goals with areas where they naturally excel.
16 Personalities: Based on the MBTI, this free online test also provides insights into personality type and potential career paths, strengths, and weaknesses.
CareerOneStop Skills Profiler: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this tool helps individuals identify skills and match them to potential careers.
MindTools: This website offers numerous resources, quizzes, and tools to help users assess their skills, set goals, and develop personally and professionally.

Tip: When using online tools for self-assessment, it’s essential to remember that while they can provide valuable insights, they are most effective when combined with personal reflection and real-world experiences.