The quick rise of ‘buy now, pay later’ services like AfterPay have created a fear around the youth adoption of debt-based services. As Gen Z faces financial insecurity, we wanted to find out how they viewed these convenient albeit debt-driving services. Most of the associates surveyed who use ‘buy now, pay later’ do so as a form of financial security even when they can pay for an item in full. Majority view ‘buy now, pay later’ as a convenience versus a dangerous method to amass debt, showcasing that Gen Z values financial flexibility over risk reduction.

As the pandemic introduced many people across the world to WFH (Work From Home), Gen Z is leaving their hometown to achieve goals that are either very hard or just not possible where they currently live. Their new zipcode is wherever or whatever their hearts guide them to do. Creatives especially are moving to smaller towns with less competition, creating booming migration to towns and cities that offer more flexibility to pursue our personal goals.

Howard students are protesting for basic needs as they fight unlivable housing conditions such as freezing temperatures, mold, infestations and flooding in dorm rooms. Historically, colleges have been a part of the American Dream, however, for many HBCU students inequality follows them even to higher education. In a world of the deferred American dream and the myth of black model minority, black students are questioning the value of education as a whole, and what it will really take to affect 
societal change.

As a recruited college athlete, until last year “NIL” didn’t mean anything to Bella Nilsen. She didn’t know what it stood for, and she especially didn’t know how it would pertain to her. She views the imbalance between generated revenue and the money that is spent on athletes is exploitative. The new NIL policies feel to her more like a beginning. This may not be the endgame for college athletes, but she’s excited to see how it will evolve from here.

Gen Z is the largest LGBTQ generation ever, with 21% identifying as LGBTQ, and we’re left questioning whether brands' promotion of LGBTQ inclusivity reflects one for all or all for one. Often what passes for LGBTQ representation and inclusion are stereotypes or exploiting us for our sexual labels, vs our unique perspectives and experiences. To get LGBTQ inclusion right, it’s simple – actually include us, year-round and not only during Pride. Not because of our sexual identities, but because we have unique and informed perspectives that when valued will give an authenticity and inner-understanding to your brand.