“Defining the Quarterlife” – as a generation there is no doubt we can do it on our own. In fact, being in your quarterlife in Generation Y means you are more likely to define things yourself than rely solely on one opinion. (I’m sure we have all made a decision based off of a Wikipedia/Google/intuition hybrid answer before!) This trait of self-seeking definitions is more important for today’s quarterlifers as we are living an experience that no one else can define for us.
“Defining the Quarterlife” – as a generation there is no doubt we can do it on our own. In fact, being in your quarterlife in Generation Y means you are more likely to define things yourself than rely solely on one opinion. (I’m sure we have all made a decision based off of a Wikipedia/Google/intuition hybrid answer before!) This trait of self-seeking definitions is more important for today’s quarterlifers as we are living an experience that no one else can define for us.
The experience of becoming an adult today is different. High school or college degrees alone no longer mean gainful employment as recent marketing grads interview for the same positions as seasoned marketing professionals. The idea of rhythmically falling into the “norms” of progression is no longer an option for us – and “The Dream” is now an elusive target, no longer a few credit card swipes away.
We, as a generation – specifically in this stage of life – are up against an unstable world trying to reformulate itself, demanding us to maneuver within its unstructured changes at a time when we are supposed to be solidifying our understanding of who we are.
With prospects of such an epic battle weighing upon our minds, we naturally have questions…of which we seek not only the answers, but to define for ourselves the actual question.
I have consistently had people ask QuarterLife Magazine through social media:
“Am I the only one…or, is everyone struggling with this?”…“Is Gen Y the only generation to face this ‘quarterlife’?”
The best way to answer these questions is to define what exactly happens in one’s quarterlife.
Since we all unfortunately do not have access to a “Wikipedia/Google hybrid index” of people to ask, “What was your quarterlife like?” QuarterLife Magazine has taken the time to provide you with this interview (one of many upcoming sources) to help us understand the quarterlife.
Honored with three Associated Press Awards, two Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Awards, and a seven-time Emmy Award nominee, journalist Nancy O’Dell is one of America’s top and most respected entertainment journalist of our time. Serving as co-anchor of “Access Hollywood,” and the only anchor who has been a vital part of “Access Hollywood” since its inception – O’Dell has contributed reports to NBC News “Today” show and “Dateline NBC.” Beyond covering events such as the Oscars, Primetime Emmy® Awards, Grammy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards, O’Dell has been chosen by NBC for the last eight years to host two of their big annual network broadcasts, the Golden Globes Arrivals Special and the Tournament of Roses Parade.
O’Dell, a Clemson University graduate, has found herself in the throes of what most would call a “successful life,” and perhaps one which seems devoid of any appearance of quarterlife torments or crises. However as you will read, O’Dell, just like most of us, had to go through the age of changes and realize herself within a world that she may not have felt ready to face. Additionally, how the traits she developed in her quarterlife prepared her for the monumental changes that face her today.
Here’s how Nancy O’Dell defines her quarterlife…
August 2009
QLMag: Nancy – did you ever have a “Quarterlife Crisis?”
O’Dell: No question! I was definitely going through a big change in my life at my quarterlife. When I was 21, I was Miss South Carolina in the Miss America system…Now, I know pageants can be made fun of but I have to say that was definitely a huge growing experience for me. I went into that year feeling like a kid and came out feeling like an adult. Maybe it would have happened anyways because I was in my quarterlife, but at 21…I learned so much.
QLMag: What kind of experiences did you have?
O’Dell: I was traveling around the state public speaking at various functions almost every day. I even traveled to Japan and spent weeks there to represent the United States Postal System on a trade relations program. I consider that time in my life crucial to my quarterlife development, because I learned how an individual can make a difference. I was involved in so many various charity events and realize how one, with any kind of public forum, can use that to help bring about change for the better.
I carry that philosophy I learned back then into my life today. And it doesn’t have to be only via a national platform (like “Access Hollywood”). Anyone who has friends with similar interests can make a difference by just getting involved.
QLMag: So, when you were a newly 21-year-old, did you know where you wanted to be now?
O’Dell: No, I didn’t. But – I was definitely getting molded to be where I am today.
QLMag: How so?
O’Dell: For example, the public speaking I did when I was 21 was invaluable! It certainly comes in handy as a broadcaster and having had all that live speaking experience in front of audiences helped. I didn’t know the path I would take until my first job at WPDE a Myrtle Beach/Florence, S.C. TV station…I started out in sales, as my major was Marketing at Clemson.
I started doing the news breaks on the weekends and then got offered a job in Charleston as a reporter…then went to Miami to anchor the evening news…and then to “Access Hollywood” in Los Angeles where I am today.
QLMag: That is quite a reroute from sales and marketing!
O’Dell: I think that is what happens a lot in life – you have to feel things out and allow yourself to be led because you will know what feels right based on your past. Having just come off a year where I traveled so much, the news was enjoyable to me because the job was different every day and the stories constantly changed, which was very similar to the year off of which I had just come.
QLMag: Can you pinpoint an age or specific period in your life when you realized you were “successful?” We use the term subjectively!
O’Dell: I think there were two periods in my life where I felt successful. A big one was getting offered the job in Miami…after having been the morning news anchor in Charleston, S.C. – Miami was a huge news market (in the top 16!) I couldn’t believe I was being offered the job as the evening anchor there! Plus, I was moving away from S.C. for the first time ever, to a big city…so that made it feel so real, as far as a big career move.
QLMag: I can imagine that to be quite the change! What was the other period?
O’Dell: The other period in my life, which has made me feel successful, actually just happened. Along with MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association), we have launched a foundation in honor of my dear and precious mother Betty, called Betty’s Battle. My mom passed away last year from ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It is my resounding hope that with Betty’s Battle, I can help in the fight against ALS so that no other families have to endure the loss of what my family experienced in the future.
QLMag: Can you tell us more about ALS?
O’Dell: ALS is a horrific disease destroying all your voluntary muscle movement, also including breathing – it is rapidly deteriorating and fatal, usually within 3-5 years after diagnosis. As I mentioned, it was in my quarterlife I learned that one has the ability to make a difference, and I am going to do everything in my power to try and do just that!
I have been involved with many charities throughout the years, but because this one hits home so personally, I take great pride in knowing firsthand (from the help we received from MDA) that charities can and do make a huge difference to families dealing with something as important this. That is why I think the launching of Betty’s Battle (www.bettysbattle.org) just the other day feels like success to me more than anything else I have done.
My mom was truly one of the most amazing women and the best mom for which I could have ever asked!
QLMag: With such a clear connection with your family and personal life, has your personal life shaped and furthered your professional career?
O’Dell: No question my personal past helped me with my career! As I mentioned, all the public speaking and experiences I had when I was 21, no doubt are a big help still today.
Also, a shout out to my public speaking teacher at Clemson University…that was a great class and I still draw upon some of the things I learned in there.
I also draw upon the values instilled upon me in my personal past growing up. I never lose sight of those. I believe what comes around goes around. So, always keep the highest of ethics and eventually the RIGHT things will come your way.
QLMag: So, to wrap up – from pageants, to career changes – big moves and family tragedies…where do you find your inspiration, that got you through your quarterlife and keeps you going today?
O’Dell: No question – I get my daily inspiration from my family. I had such a close family growing up that I craved that with my family now that I am married and have children. I know they are the ones who will be there when I am old, grey and retired!
I think too many people sacrifice family for career….Yes, it takes quite the juggling act to balance both, but it can be done if in the end your family is the priority, and any boss should want that, as it makes one a better employee, because you are a happier employee.
Don’t mean to sound like the all-knower because I am certainly far from that. It took me some time to learn this, but I do know it is the most satisfying feeling when you have a happy home life.
QLMag: Thank you so much, Nancy.
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Hesitations, understandings, inspirations and changes are all beginnings of the quarterlife, a stage to give heed to another phase of life. It is apparent to us, from O’Dell’s view point, that the quarterlife is not just a 10-15 year period in your life of which you grow out of or through – it is part of the foundation to build your life to help you with struggles that lay ahead.
We have seen how one person can use the changes of their 20s to bring a voice to many – on topics and interests that touch the heart. We know that not only one person can define the quarterlife for us, so we include O’Dell’s definition and look further in October to keep growing our definition of the quarterlife in various phases, stages and places!
More Information on Nancy O’Dell and Her Valiant Fight against MDA and ALS:
Even though O’Dell maintains a busy work schedule – she regularly makes time for philanthropic endeavors. O’Dell is a National Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and ALS Division Celebrity Ambassador, has been working with the ALS division since her mother, Betty Humphries, was diagnosed with and recently passed away from complications relating to ALS.
In February 2002, she was inducted into the American Red Cross’s National Celebrity Cabinet, and also serves as a national spokesperson for the March of Dimes. Additionally, she acts as an international board member for Best Buddies, a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.
In June 2002, Best Buddies honored O’Dell with the organization’s Spirit of Leadership Award. O’Dell also currently serves on the HollyRod charity advisory board and is also a Celebrity Ambassador for Childhelp. O’Dell’s latest book, “Mom-to-Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Pregnant,” published by Simon Spotlight Entertainment, topped motherhood lists and is currently in stores now. She resides in the Los Angeles area with her family.
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