Turning 24 in the year of 2024: Young South Australians share hopes, aspirations for a new year
Eight South Australians turning 24 in 2024 lift the lid on their true feelings about the past, present, future – and other, older generations.
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A new year inevitably brings with it new hopes, aspirations and dreams – and who better to share their wishes for 2024 than those turning 24?
Today the young South Australians born in 2000 tell us what they are most looking forward to in the new year – and what makes their generation tick.
Spoiler alert, Taylor Swift makes the list as does travel, travel and more travel.
They share what life has been like for them and reveal the people who have influenced them most, ranging from parents and teachers, to junior sports coaches and popular social media influencers.
They also tell us the lessons they believe others can learn from the way in which Generation Z live their lives.
And, on a more serious note, they reveal what worries them most as they look to the future with cost of living, environmental concerns and global unrest topping the list.
They even share with The Advertiser what they’d do if they were Prime Minister for the day.
Here’s what the millennium bubs have to say....
Annabel Fuller
Born at Calvary Hospital, North Adelaide on January 20, 2000
A senior content producer writing travel articles for online travel agency Luxury Escapes, the Seymour College old scholar has much to look forward to in 2024.
“I am excited to travel, make new memories with friends and for the Taylor Swift concert … I hope that I continue to thrive in my job that I love,” the Bond University journalism graduate says.
“Since leaving school I’ve been fortunate enough to explore the world. I’ve lived abroad in the US and UK, and closer to home in Queensland and Victoria which have all offered such exciting adventures.”
Now living in South Yarra, Melbourne, Annabel, an only child, grew up in Beaumont in Adelaide’s east.
She describes being born in 2000 as a “conversation starter”.
“Whether it’s older generations reflecting on the millennium bug or the fact that I’ll never forget my age … being a 2000s baby is pretty great,” she says.
“Growing up at a time where I vaguely remember VCRs, dial-up internet and trips to the local blockbuster, I find myself envious of those who remember it well.
“For the most part, my life has been dictated by technology … I am chronically connected which makes it extremely difficult to switch off and enjoy the little things.”
Interestingly, when asked what concerns her most, it is technology.
“Working in a creative industry, the rise of AI is my greatest fear for the future,” she says.
The Matildas fan says there is plenty for others to learn from Gen Z, not least the ability to “live in the moment and follow their passions”.
“We go to uni to study our interests rather than what we are told to do and measure our success in happiness rather than dollars and job titles,” she says.
“Gen Z believes they can make a change in the world and chase their dreams … we are not afraid of change, we move fast and find a solution (and are) one of the most inclusive and accepting generations of all time.”
And what would the young woman, who ranks her parents as her biggest mentors, do if PM for the day?
“I would advocate for greater resources dedicated to Australia’s healthcare system across hospital, mental health and community-based services,” she says.
Erin Green
Born at Calvary Hospital on April 18, 2000
UniSA podiatry graduate Erin, who also models for Finesse Models Australia, can’t wait for the new year to start.
“(This is because) 2024 marks the start of a new and exciting journey for me,” she says.
“For the majority of my life – up until now – I have been a student; a school student, a ballet student, a uni student, but, after a challenging four years of university, I am proud to be starting my career in podiatry as of 2024.”
Beyond work, she is looking forward to embracing all that is impressive and positive.
“I am really just looking forward to living in my slay girl era … I might even learn how to rollerskate,” she says.
What’s the best thing about being born in 2000?
“Hmm, gosh, I could list a bunch of things from the 00s era that would send a millennium baby into nostalgia,” she says.
“Like any other era I guess the coolest thing has been watching, and being a part of evolution … I think it’s particularly fun to reflect on 00s fashion trends.
“(So) jelly sandals, butterfly clips, tattoo chokers, three-quarter length pants, sequins … I think a lot of us millennium babies can safely say our fashion has improved.
“But, you never know, what goes around, comes back around … maybe 2024 might see the resurrection of jelly sandals?”
Luke “Charltsy” Charlton
Born Ashford Hospital, August 6, 2000
In his final stages of an electrical apprenticeship, while also juggling a Bachelor of Business, Luke is looking forward to life – and travel – after study.
He is planning a trip to Croatia and the Greek islands with mates in 2024, having got the taste for travel on a holiday with four close friends to Canada and the US at the end of year 12.
“(We) struck a perfect time to travel, coming back at the end of 2019 when Covid was just around the corner,” he says.
Luke, of Clarence Gardens, who went to the local primary school at Edwardstown and nearby Cabra Dominican College at Cumberland from Year Six, reflects on the pandemic as the most challenging aspect of his life.
“The restrictions and effects it had globally on anything and everything there was to do in our everyday lives was extremely difficult to deal with,” Luke says.
The thing that concerns him most moving forward is the cost of living.
“Getting to the age of 24 I am beginning to think seriously about buying into the housing market … housing prices and the overall cost of living (is a worry),” he says.
For Luke, who has an older sister Monica, keeping fit and active is a priority and he’s hoping to run his second marathon (42.2km) in the new year – and maybe more.
To that end, he lists, beyond his parents, Hybrid Athlete health and fitness podcaster Nick Bare as his current biggest influence – and supports Adelaide Crows (AFL) and the Mavericks (NBA).
“I am extremely interested in learning what our bodies are capable of,” he says.
When asked what the older generation can learn from our “millennium bubs”, he responds:
“Being acceptable to change and challenges will only make it better for you in
the long run,” he explains.
And what would he do if he was PM for the day?
“(I’d) bring back the Formula 1 to Adelaide,” he laughs.
Joshua Pullman
Born Burnside Hospital, August 14, 2000
The year 2024 is set to forever be a standout for Josh who is readying to relocate to Denmark for six months on a university exchange.
“I have never been to Europe, nor been away from family and friends for that long … I have no idea what to expect and that makes me super excited,” he tells.
“My personal hopes are to fully immerse myself in a new culture and experience a new way of day-to-day living. I plan to travel as much of Europe as possible while over there.”
Now living in suburban Panorama, Joshua, who has two brothers, Lewis, 20, and Fraser, 18, attended Unley High School and is currently studying finance at Adelaide University, while also working in the industry.
He says he feels lucky to have been born when he was.
“I believe that growing up in the 2000s was a point in our history in which we had a perfect
balance with the ever-expanding technological innovations,” he said.
“We had not yet reached a point where technology and social media had completely consumed us … we explored, played and enjoyed nature/each other’s company just like we should.
“Some of my fondest memories are the many outdoor adventures with friends and family … without even a consideration of an electronic device … I feel blessed to have been born in.”
Years on, he still considers a junior football coach as one of his most memorable mentors and influences.
“My junior football coach at Mitcham Hawks was Simon Starr … he was not only a huge role model for myself but the entire team,” the Adelaide Crows fan says.
“His coaching went beyond the game of football; he instilled in us courage, resilience … promoting the healthy behaviours of being a young man – this ultimately led to us winning four out of the five possible grand finals!”
And what would he do as PM for the day?
“I would do everything in my power to set-up land and wildlife conservation policies,” he says.
“We are so lucky in Australia to still have such vast landscapes and wildlife … we should be doing everything we can to hold on to this because we are truly blessed.”
He worries about global unrest.
“It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the atrocities taking place overseas,” he says.
“Obviously the global conflicts are a cause for major concern … the thought of nuclear war is absolutely terrifying (and sadly) something that could very much become reality.”
Jarrett Richards
Born in Burien Highline Hospital in Seattle, US, on August 31, 2000
The upbeat young personal trainer, whose family moved from the US to Australia in 2002, says he is looking forward to new opportunities, expanding his business and meeting “like-minded” people in 2024.
One of four children growing up in Adelaide’s inner south, Jarrett attended Unley High School and says “family and friends” are the one thing he couldn’t live without.
He considers his birth year a pretty good one.
“The thing I have loved most about being born in the 2000s is that I believe we are a ‘middle
generation’ … (we) can both connect with the ‘90s kids as well as those born in 2010 (and beyond) … we’re not out of the loop with anything,” he says.
“I believe that other generations can learn a lot from Gen Z, especially (when it comes to) adaptability and being able to fit in regardless of the situation.”
Passionate about health and fitness, Jarrett, who runs his own personal training business, JarrettRichardsPT at Edwardstown, lists online influencer and fitness guru Cristian Guzman, who has more than a million followers on Instagram, as his mentor of the moment.
“He is big in the fitness community and inspires me to push myself,” the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) fan says.
And what would he do if PM for the day?
“I would try to provide more funding and education to the less privileged groups of people in the country,” he says.
Emma Livingstone
Born in Northern Eastern Community Hospital on June 21, 2000
Emma is a healthy mix of South Australian and Victorian, spending the first five years of life in Campbelltown, before moving across the border to Mildura with her family – and then back to her home state for tertiary study.
“I started school at Stradbroke Primary School … and finished Year 12 at Mildura Senior College,” says the pediatric speech pathologist now working in community health.
“I moved back to Adelaide in 2019 to live at Aquinas College and study at Flinders University.
“(In 2024) I am most looking forward to travelling, learning, working hard and finding joy in all the small things.”
For Emma, the best thing about being born in 2000 is never forgetting how old she’ll turn each year.
“(Also) making others feel ‘old’ when I tell them I was born in 2000,” she adds with a laugh.
The highlight of life so far has been life in the North Adelaide residential college and studying her career of choice.
“(It’s been) falling in love with the work I do as a speech pathologist and meeting some very special people from South Australia along the way,” she says.
She also lists Aquinas College dean Carolyn Mee as her greatest influence and mentor to date.
“She shaped me into the person I am today, and I’ll be forever grateful,” she says.
When asked the greatest challenge she’s faced yet, it’s not social media or any external factor but the pressure she has placed on herself.
“(It’s been) living up to my own expectations,” she candidly admits.
But is it “interest rates and inflation” that worries her most moving forward.
And what would she do if PM for the day?
“Pay off all the HECS debts for all allied health professionals in Australia,” she says.
Crows supporter Emma, who says she couldn’t live without coffee and her dog Oscar, believes the older generation has things to learn from Gen Z.
“(They could learn) that technology can be used for good – and we aren’t as silly as you think,” she says.
Taylor Alland
Born in Melbourne’s east on October 8, 2000
The Adelaide Uni media graduate is now media and communications manager at Volleyball South Australia but hopes to travel in 2024.
“Exploring the world is something that I’ve dreamt of doing since I was little … I promised myself that I would be patient and only do so once I finished university,” he says.
“Now that I’ve made it to the end of my degree, I’ve kept up the other half of my promise, and I’m booked in for Japan, the Philippines, and parts of Europe.
“I can’t wait to experience the world … I hope to continue learning about the world and all the unique people that inhabit it.”
The eldest of two children, Taylor went to Black Forest Primary School and moved to Mercedes College for his secondary years, graduating in 2018.
It was while in high school, he met an important mentor, teacher Anthony Kelly.
“He is someone who, no matter how much stress I may have caused him, constantly pushed for my peers and me to succeed,” he recalls.
“As a student, I could be a bit of a handful at times … I now realise how much hard work goes into being a good teacher, mentor, and role model and I wish that I had been more grateful at the time.
“Mr Kelly, I hope you somehow see this, and I want you to know that I’m very thankful for the time you put into our group … and I hope you’re doing well.”
He is another 2000 bub chuffed to have been born when he was.
“The year 2000 was the Chinese Year of the Gold Dragon – how cool is that?” he says, adding “2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon”.
And what would he do if PM for the day?
“Start a hard shift into renewable energy and use thorium-based nuclear reactors to decrease carbon usage,” he says.
“(All of) Portugal recently ran on 100 per cent renewables for six days in a row; if an entire country of 10 million can accomplish that, then each state should be able to do the same.”
And if that fails, well a “National Pizza Party Day”, of course.
“And, I’d replace the drinking fountains with chocolate milk,” he laughs.
His advice to other the generations before and after him is: “Embrace change, but don’t let it consume you.”
Rather than list a favourite sports team, he chooses a champion volleyball duo.
“(South Australian) Zachary Schubert and Thomas Hodges … they are currently representing Australia in Men’s beach volleyball and are doing an amazing job,” he says.
“It’s inspiring to see the amount of work that’s going towards volleyball in our state at the moment and I’m excited to see how many familiar faces can end up representing our country on the global stage.”
Lachlan Casey
Born at Flinders Private Hospital on September 11, 2000.
Having recently finished a carpentry apprenticeship, Lachy is planning to work hard and save as much as he can, to allow him to travel.
“I am most looking forward to having a big year of saving money … now that I am finally earning a reasonable income,” he says.
“I want to have a good saving year so hopefully at the end of 2024 I might be able to travel.”
The Westminster School old scholar says he feels fortunate to have been born when he was and exposed to a great childhood which included holiday breaks to the family river shack.
“The best thing about being a millennium baby, would have to have been the childhood I had growing … (it was) well-balanced … with awesome memories (of our time) at the shack.”
And what would he do if PM for the day?
“I would try to change the cost of living for apprentice/ uni students and try to reduce the amount of HECS uni students pay after completing their degree,” he says.
“I would also increase the incentives for apprenticeships, to encourage more people to study and/or take up apprenticeships.”
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