I'm sure you've all heard the stereotypes that surround being a member of the Millennial generation; we're all lazy, entitled, disrespectful brats. Although this description can accurately describe some Millennials, I like to think of myself as living proof that this generalization can not rightfully portray our generation as a whole. I actually can honestly say that I believe members of this generation bring a lot more to the metaphorical table of life than the majority of our elders like to believe. We are some of the most creative, curious, passionate, and hardworking people you will ever meet.

Here's why.

I wasn't exaggerating when I said we're some of the most hardworking people you'll ever meet. If you're reading this and you're a member of the Baby Boomer generation or even Generation X, you probably can remember when you were in your teenage years and early twenties. If you went to college you might even recall holding a job or tending to a family while also being a student. However, here's the difference; the cost of receiving an education was only a fraction of the cost we pay today.

Don't get me wrong, I respect the fact that some students probably did struggle to pay the bills/tuition, and unfortunately there were most likely a portion that did not finish school as a result, but I think it's safe to say that many of the hurdles that exist for today's college student were not an issue 40-50 years ago. The system was not set up to help student's fail and the monetary costs were considerably lower, consequently making success a much more achievable and realistic goal. Nowadays, you're considered lucky if you can graduate with a Bachelor's degree and still find a good, steady job. Not to mention the fact that there's a good possibility you're going to be swimming in debt for a lengthy amount of time after college.

As a fourth-year undergraduate student with just over a month left until graduation, I can attest to the above being 100% true. I had to grow up at a young age, as have large numbers of other Millennials. I have held at least one part-time job since I was 16, although the past couple of years I have held up to three jobs at one time while also being a full-time student, not to mention the required 400-hour internship, volunteer work, and social life that I've attempted to have on the side.

This is the reality for not just myself, but for a remarkably high number of college students, with the traditional student right now being part of the Millennial generation. My goal in writing this article is not to seek pity or praise, and although I am unable to speak for the rest of my generation, I'm sure other Millennials like myself would agree to the fact that we as a whole are not lazy, not incompetent, and not entitled. The fact that so many think this to be true quite honestly feels like a slap in the face.

For the record, I am also not trying to insinuate that every single person who was born in the 90's is a perfect contributing member of society, as this is far from the truth. You're always going to have the select few that stray from the societal norms and as a result, choose to wreak havoc and commit crimes instead of working toward success.

There's also always going to be those people who happened to be born into a wealthy family and might not necessarily need to hold a job or pay bills. Life does tend to be a lot easier for this demographic, but I can honestly say I wouldn't trade the chance to learn independence and responsibility at a young age for anything. I know that when I graduate and finally leave the college world for good (after receiving my Master's) I will be well-equipped and capable of handling anything that life throws at me. At the end of the day, I know that I have worked, and worked extremely hard, to get to where I am now and where I want to be in the future.

Even though I can agree that nobody is perfect and that it's common for one population to inherit the bad reputation given to a few, I am proud to be able to call myself hardworking, self-sustaining, and able to say I possess a genuine love for everyone that I meet. I am lucky enough to be a part of a group that is pivotal in tomorrow's society; one that is going to fight for what they believe in. A group that is going to change the future.

I am, and always will be, proud to call myself a Millennial.