Hello, and welcome to The Hopeful Generation! I’m Beatrix, a recent Penn State University grad (We Are!) with a passion for sustainable living, running, and travel.
What is The Hopeful Generation?
Let me guess- you’ve got big dreams. If someone asked where you wanted to travel next, you’d have trouble answering, because you want to go everywhere.
You’re wondering if it’s too ambitious to train for a marathon before running a 10K.
You’ve been thinking about going vegan or vegetarian, but are wondering if that’s too big of a change for your lifestyle (and running goals!).
To complicate things, social media is feeding you an echo chamber of negativity, claiming that Gen Z has it all downhill from here when it comes to health and travel, personal finance, and the environment. It’s all very discouraging, and you might be wondering where to find a more positive perspective on things.
Good news! You’ve stumbled upon my website, so you’re a member of the Hopeful Generation now. We believe that the future doesn’t have to look bleak- in fact, it’s our responsibility to make sure it isn’t.
So… Who is The Hopeful Generation?
I’m speaking to my fellow 20-somethings, college students, and young women who love this Earth. You want to both preserve and travel the world, all while living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
You have ambitious goals for your money and lifestyle but worry that ‘money stuff’ will never make sense to you.
Maybe you want to go vegan or implement more low-waste practices in your life but don’t want to be a hypocrite if you can’t be perfect.
Or maybe you’re fascinated by long-distance running but worry that you don’t have what it takes to run that far.
I’ve been in your shoes- in fact, I still am. This blog is my way of sharing what I’ve learned, and being the support system you need to take that leap into a lifestyle change.
I’ve been where you are now.
During my sophomore year of college, I took up running. A little over a year later, I ran my first marathon. That same year, I learned about the environmental (and other!) benefits of plant-based eating and decided to go vegan.
After graduating, I made it my priority to finally understand budgeting and investing so I could make my newly-earned paychecks work toward my dreams of travel and financial freedom. Now, I’m working full-time, side-hustling, and trying to figure out how to fit in training for a second marathon around my job.
There are lots of people about there who can explain what an “S&P 500 index fund” is or what nutrients you need as a vegan. I love this type of content and will share it wherever I can, but I offer a different perspective.
I’m the older sister who will help you navigate the “vegan transition” with your family and friends, or tell you about the mental roadblocks I hit while marathon training. In addition to concrete tips and explanations, I’ll provide a healthy dose of sympathy and support.
I hope this blog makes a difference…
…Both in your life and the world. I often ask myself if what I’m doing- carrying reusable bags, visiting the local refillery- is worth it. I’m just one person, after all. But I wouldn’t be doing any of this if I didn’t have inspiring role models, and I hope I can be that for someone else.
This blog is my way of taking my efforts at a sustainable, physically and financially healthy lifestyle and multiplying them by helping you achieve your dream lifestyle.
What can I expect around here?
I write about sustainability: environmental, financial, and lifestyle. I share what I’ve learned about personal finance as a Gen Z woman, everything I know about making the transition to veganism (or mostly-veganism), and how to become an ambitious runner (even if you up until recently, you were that person who said they despised running). All the while, I’ll explain what I do to live as lightly on this earth as possible- yes, including my shortcomings and compromises.
And exactly who are you, Beatrix Stickney?
I’m a 20-something based in Pittsburgh, and I work full-time as a costume seamstress. For theater, not Halloween… Though you’d be forgiven for not knowing what theater technicians do; I didn’t realize that sewing costumes could be a career path until late high school.
I feel privileged to have grown up with parents who’ve taught me the importance of managing my finances, and who have supported every crazy endeavor I’ve tried, from NaNoWriMo to running that marathon. I hope to be that voice of encouragement and instruction to others.
Though I’ve always cared about the environment, it was a family trip to Utah that truly sparked my passion for protecting the Earth. The natural beauty of the West was so foreign and stunning to me, having grown up around forests and hills. And then, as we drove to our rental house, we passed a landfill. That concrete reminder of the impact of waste on the environment shook me, and I remember it every time I wonder if my sustainability efforts are worth it.
When I’m not sewing or blogging, you’ll find me working on my fantasy novel (@beatrix_plotter), reading, or running (of course). I’m currently renting my first apartment, and am learning to balance working full-time with my delightfully delusional ambitions.
While writing, I love to listen to Taylor Swift or mildly eclectic yet carefully crafted playlists. But mostly Taylor Swift.
If you asked me for a fun fact, I’d tell you more about the Brooklyn Bridge than you ever cared to know. I have a special collection of Brooklyn Bridge books on my shelf.
Oh, and most importantly (best for last!) I’m Catholic. My faith plays a huge part in giving me hope for the future, and while my faith isn’t a major focus of this blog, I never want to be caught downplaying it.
What’s next?
Join my mailing list! I’ll send emails every few weeks giving you an insider view into what I’m trying out (recipes, sustainable swaps) in my life at the moment, as well as new blog posts. It’s the best way for you to hear about what’s going on as I build The Hopeful Generation. I look forward to seeing you there!