Dear millennials:

I know we often get a bad rap, and to be honest, it is completely warranted at times. It is difficult to admit to our shortcomings but once we do, it is easier to overcome the stereotypes and misconceptions that others have of us.

When it comes to technology it is all about timing. Unsurprisingly many find our generation distracted and detached because we are so connected to our phones and computers. To an extent this is an accurate assumption, because time and again, I have seen many of my fellow millenials using their phones at the most inopportune times.

For example, work is not a place to have your phone out, unless of course your supervisor requires that you make calls and check emails. Also phones or any other electronics should take a back seat to your quality time with others, because those are moments you can never get back, even if they are well documented through social media.

Another fault we are often accused of is laziness or a lack of work ethic. I will be the first to admit fault here, often times you can find me watching Netflix when I could be studying for the next exam I have. Yet it is the lengths of laziness that our generation will go to in order to take shortcuts in work, life, and relationships that only furthers our disconnection. We post birthday messages on Facebook instead of sending a heartfelt card, and send emails to teachers with our assignments attached instead of printing them ourselves and handing them in. We do most of what is acceptable and expect others to complete the rest of the work at hand. What we need to understand is that we cannot put forth so little and expect so much in return.

With all of the issues that drive our generation, we lose site of the simple wonders and pleasures that life has to offer. Sure it is difficult to look beyond the troubles that plague our society, but it takes one look at the sky to momentarily reinvigorate you. Next time you are out with your friends and family tell them how much they mean to you. When you have that big history test or that next work assignment, do the studying, don't calculate the ways you can avoid it. Take a look at the world around you and try to see beyond the bad; look for what is good and work on expanding it.

In order to make any of these improvements, we need to look beyond ourselves. Another trait that is commonly associated with our generation is selfishness, and sure that may be hard to swallow, but I can say without doubt that I am selfish. I want so much in life and I am willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish my goals, but sometimes I have to remind myself that I am part of a whole; this generation relies on the improvement of us all to prove that we are more than just a phone with a body.

Sincerely,

your fellow millennial