It’s easy to assume that the older generation doesn’t believe in today’s youth. But this heartfelt advice video proves that not only do some people believe in today’s youth, but they are actively cheering them on.
He answers the call
The video opens with YouTuber Bernard Albertson welcoming the viewer. He introduces himself briefly and explains that the video you are about to see is in response to a previous video, “An old mans advice.”.
He talks about how well received his previous video was. He mentions how many of his viewers asked for more sagely wisdom, which he was happy to give. But this video might be a little different.
Once upon a time
Bernard talks about how tough life can be, especially for today’s youth. He recognizes the challenges that the latest generations have to face and he wants to help inspire them. So he directs his advice to young people and begins by talking about his background
You learn that he dropped out of school at the 10th grade and was abandoned and left to fend for himself by his parents. You can tell its a hard story to share, but he does it because he wants to:
“Share a little bit about myself, and my life, and my hardships, and my successes”
But don’t think he’s sharing so you can pity him. He talks about his background so you can see who he was growing up and appreciate the results of his difficult life’s journey.
Paycheck to paycheck
Bernard goes on to talk about his past work. He got his start working at a Shell gas station for $1 an hour. He ended up working 90 hour work weeks and lived in the back of his car. Can you imagine that? Well, it was even harder than you might have guessed.
Without a home to call his own, he had to make do. That meant, keeping himself clean in public restrooms. He washed his personal clothes in sinks. He even had to steal fresh food from a nearby grocery store when he was starving, though he suspects the grocer gave him a break and turned a blind eye.
It wasn’t easy living and Bernard decided early on that he wanted better for himself. As he said:
“I knew in my soul, that if I had nothing to offer that was as far as I was gonna go.”
Take a look, in a book
Bernard joined the armed services at the age of 17. He doesn’t focus on military life per se, instead focusing on the opportunities for self-improvement. Before this point, he couldn’t read, so he used his new found wealth to purchase books and teach himself literacy.
He picked up one of Louis L’amour’s western stories and would read the book, pausing to look up any unknown words. It took him over two weeks to read 195 pages.
He then went on to being able to read two or three books at the same time, without forgetting where he was. This enhanced knowledge helped Bernard to start businesses, write his own books (over a dozen published), and provide for his family.
What does it all mean?
Bernard’s story, he explains, is to prove how sharp and powerful young minds and young people are. Even with all the disadvantages of his background, he was still able to work hard, improve himself, and make a life that he could enjoy and love.
He urges young people to live up to their own promise and potential. The one thing that you should take away from this video can be summarized when he says:
“As a young person, regardless of what’s happening in the world today. You have opportunity.”
Bernard wants today’s youth to succeed. He suggests that if you aren’t getting ahead and need to get ahead, then the key lies in educating yourself and working hard. He believes that you don’t need a degree to be successful and happy, nearly as much as determination.
A final word
As the video comes to a close, Bernard shares some final words of advice. He promises today’s youth that today’s problems can be solved with their determination and drive to succeed. The youth can save our planet, from the oceans to the air and everything in between.
He then ends the video with a humble but important request:
“Never quit.”
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