I have a pet peeve. Well, actually, I have several— one being when someone takes up more than one parking space with their car. It's so annoying- But that’s another article for another day.

My other pet peeve, though, that I’ve recently realized exists, it the use of the word "millennials." For a while, I used the word myself. But then, I thought about it. I realized that no matter how people use the word, it is always said in almost a degrading way, whether that’s the intone or not. It really bothers me when people scoff and say something like “Oh, millennials never think before they act.” First of all, I don't go around saying "Oh, Generation X-ers never think before they act," so why target the younger generation like this? Each generation is different from the one before it, but I don’t understand the daily observance of “millennials’” behavior. When did it become the norm, let alone okay? We are the younger generation—not a science project.

But here is the other thing: the term "millennial" means those born in the 2000's, but people use the word the wrong way all the time. Most often, people are referring to those born post-1990. I hate to break it to you, but if a person wasn’t born in 2000 or later, they’re not a “millennial,” so quit calling them that.

I understand, by the First Amendment, we have the freedom to say what we want within limits, so I can’t stop you from using the term “millennials” but I can let you know how it feels to be on the receiving end of the label. People use it to separate the younger generation from the whole of society all the time when we are a valuable part of society. We are tomorrow’s doctors, lawyers, politicians, business owners, and teachers. And some people would say that “that thought alone is scary because millennials are free spirits.” But how about this? Instead of labeling us “millennials” and cringing at the thought that the younger generation is tomorrow’s leaders, embrace it. Mentor us, guide us, and teach us so we can get it right. We hate being wrong as much as you do. We hate failing as much as you do. So, help us.

Maybe I'm in a minority here. Maybe I’m one of the only ones who has given so much thought to this one word. But I can’t help it. Every time someone uses it, no matter the intentions, I can’t help but feel a little bit insulted and separated from society. We are the younger generation. We’re passionate. We’re dedicated. We want to have fun. We believe in making the best of our time here on Earth. So, give us a chance. We might change how you think.