Our current society is made up of five generations, each coined with a different name relating to their attributes or personalities. We have the Traditionalists (born 1940s and before), the Baby Boomers (1940s-1960s), Generation X (1960’s-1970s), the Millennials (1970’s to 1990’s), and the Centennials (late 1990’s and later). These generations tend to be fluid, and people born in the same year may fit into different generations. But, as you probably know, millennials are the current topic of discussion around the country, and not necessarily in a positive light. We are not the talk of the town because we have become the largest generation in the current United States workforce or some of the largest consumers in the economy. No, we are the talk of the town because of the stereotypes we've been branded with; because we are “lazy”, “entitled”, “narcassistic”, etc.
And here I am, one millennial in a sea of ‘em. Just another girl tired of hearing about how terrible me and my friends must be. So, today I am painting a picture for those of you who cannot seem to understand what our generation is really about.
I am a millennial, but I am not lazy. I work 9+ hours a day, including most Saturdays, and still felt the need to get a part-time job. I walk over 2 miles to and from work every day because I do not feel the need to have a car. One of my favorite hobbies is hiking, and winter sucks because I can’t go on a 3 mile walk every night like I did in the summer. I know millennials going to school full-time and working full-time. I know millennials killing themselves to work multiple jobs, get the best internship, and get into the best schools, while still making Dean’s List. I know millennials working in jobs that they are so over-qualified for, simply because they need an income to pay back their student loans. That isn't lazy, that is dedication.
I am a millennial, but I am not narcissistic. Most things I am passionate talking about are issues that do not directly affect me. I stick up for all races, for all genders, for those who may be misunderstood, and for those who do not have a voice. My daily discussions do not revolve around myself, they revolve around which experiments I can run to cure an awful disease, they revolve around social issues, they revolve around the ways we can try and make this world a better one. Almost every millennial I know is willing to put others above themselves. Almost every millennial I know supports organizations when they can barely support themselves. Almost every millennial I know volunteers in some way simply to benefit our nation, not just to put it on their resume. That isn’t narcissism, that’s altruism.
I am a millennial, but I am not technology crazed. I do not own the newest model phone, laptop, etc. I have only texted three people today: my Mom, my boyfriend and my best friend. I read a real book before I fall asleep at night, I don’t take a selfie every day, and I talk to people on the phone during my lunch break. I know millennials who use technology for good with apps like Charity Miles and Walk for a Dog. I know millennials who use the internet to take free classes, simply so they can increase their skill set and their knowledge. I know many millennials who use social media to talk about issues, share ways to help those in need, and who do not care solely about the “likes." That isn’t technology crazed; that is creativity.
I am a millennial, but I am not those negative stereotypes you give me. I am a millennial, but I do not fit into your mold. I am part of a generation of working professionals, of activists, of industry leaders, of pacesetters, of researchers, of listeners, of teachers, of scholars. I am part of a generation that is so much more than the harmful terms you decided to coin us with, so it is about time you start treating us as more.
