I grew up in a humble home -- in a white, middle-class family where my parents are still married and always supported me. My grandparents are still alive, and I have only experienced grief in short stints and only a few times throughout my existence. I am currently enrolled at a four-year university; I am passionate about writing and interested in traveling. I have lived a very privileged life.

The problems I've faced are dreams compared to things that other people have to triumph over every day. And I think that realization has changed my life.

I haven't faced great adversity. I am growing up in a generation that will outnumber the baby boomers -- we have power. We are the most educated generation with over 68 percent of us having bachelor's degrees. But the problems that existed in our parents' generation still haven't been fixed. In fact, in some ways, they’ve gotten worse. Instead of fighting against what our parents couldn't fix, we are activists that fail to take a lot of action. And I am not willing to settle for that.

We live in a world where the value of a human life is measured by the pigment of your skin, by your zip code, and by your gender -- by things that in no way determine the content of your character. It is something that we have been taught can waver, but the value of a human life is not something that wavers. It is constant, and every human deserves to be treated with respect, love and kindness.

I am a part of a generation that has the ability to affect great change -- we have the power to break the barriers that currently allow our society to be riddled with hate and violence. So why haven't we done more?

As the presidential election approaches, I am often shocked at the amount of people who I hear say they aren’t going to vote. The reasons for that vary, but regardless, not voting is the best way to give up your most powerful weapon. We live in a democracy -- that means the people have the power.

I refuse to be a part of a people that don't use their power to make things better.

I believe that my generation wants to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and see the beauty in different lifestyles. I believe that we are interested in knowing about the burdens other people bare, that we have the ability to educate ourselves, firsthand, about the struggles others face, and the events that alter their lives. We are able to explore the world so we can figure out how we can help it. I think that millennials want to make a difference. We just have to make sure we don’t allow ourselves to quit before we have even begun.

Do not remain silent until it is too late to say anything.

My generation will make a difference. I hope we all participate in this upcoming election, because every vote matters. And because we matter, it is our future that we have a stake in. Let's make sure to always do as much as we can to ensure our future is as bright and beautiful and full of acceptance as we can.