Privileged. Lost. Greedy. Careless. Selfish. Those are the words used to describe my generation. My generation is thought to be the generation where we are spoiled and have everything handed to us. However, this description doesn’t fit everyone. Being in this generation is difficult.

With all of these stereotypes, it’s hard for those of us not like the “privileged” to prove we are different. We are the ones who strive to make a difference and to show that we are not all the same. My generation has taught me who I need to be, how I need to act, and to always be thankful for what you have. I’m thankful I wasn’t handed everything growing up. I sit back and watch how some of the people in my generation act and it makes me so thankful my family taught me to be respectful and to always do the best I can. One of the things my mother has taught me is to always always always respect the elderly! You can learn so much from them. I was raised to open the door for them and to say ‘yes/no ma’am/sir’ as well as please and thank you. Respect and being kind to others can go a long way even in a society where it seems this is fading.

My parents have taught me to always be kind to others. You never know when someone is having a bad day and you could be the one person that makes a small difference. I have learned how to treat others the way I would want to be treated. Is it difficult at times? Absolutely. Even at my worst times, I’m thankful that God loves us enough to forgive us when we fall short and we are given multiple opportunities to treat others with love and kindness.

I’m thankful my parents taught me how to work. I’ve been told several times “it must be nice to have mama and daddy paying for everything.” This statement used to irritate me, but now I try to turn it around. My parents didn’t pay for everything. Yes, they blessed me. I was able to go to college without having to worry about having a roof over my head, somewhere safe and warm to lay my head down at night, and food in my stomach. Did I pay the usual house bills or have any type of rent? No. However, I did pay for my car, cell phone, gas, insurance, and for school. Anything I have, I earned. My parents have taught me how to take care of myself and I am forever thankful for that. My parents didn’t have to give me money. Actually, the greatest gift they have given me is their support and love. I would not be half of the person I am today without them.

I’ve heard multiple people say that my generation is the lost generation. Maybe we are a little lost. Maybe we’re waiting for the guidance we need from the generations before us. Every generation learns from each other. My generation has taught me that the older generations might be harder to see eye to eye with, but it allows us to gain insight and knowledge from those that may share similar life events. Things have changed significantly over the years. My generation seeks things differently than those before us. Sometimes that makes older generations frown upon us, but we have to learn at our own pace.

Greedy, careless, and selfish. My generation has taught me that being greedy, careless, and selfish has become more of the norm. This generation is more out for one’s self than we are working together and accomplishing things together. It’s about who can get ahead in life not caring who we step on or mistreat. It’s up to us to change this stereotype.

Being careless is okay at times, but making careless decisions can sometimes lead to trouble. My generation has taught me to always pay attention to the decisions I make and to think about the consequences of my actions.

Finally, being selfish. There are times where we need to be selfish. It’s okay to be selfish and to want something better for yourself, but don’t be selfish to where you do anything and everything no matter what the price. My generation has taught me how to take care of myself, but to also not hurt those around me.

My generation can be labeled as all of these things and more, but there are some trying day in and day out to make a difference. Before you judge us, remember you were stereotyped at one point too. My generation is not perfect, but I believe that each of us can learn from each other. There is still some good in the world and it is up to us to remind others of this.