Millennials are stereotyped quite often as being lazy, entitled, and dependent/living in our parent’s basement until we are 25. While these stereotypes are true in some cases, these qualities do not describe our generation as a whole. When I hear these stereotypes, it doesn’t make me mad or upset, it makes me want to be an outlier from the crowd. These generalized stereotypes make me want to go against the grain and be something different than millennials are portrayed as being. To do this, you need to start standing out, and to do that; you need to start proving yourself.

It’s quite easy to go with the flow and be like everyone else; I’ve tried that before, but I got bored very quickly. I always thought to myself: what’s one crazy thing I could do that hardly anyone my age has accomplished? My one crazy thing was getting my real estate license and selling homes to people who could be old enough to be my parents. Some might find that to be a scary and a daunting challenge, but I see it as a captivating way to put my foot in the door and start making a name for myself.

The median age for a real estate agent is 58 years old; I got my license two months after my 20^th birthday. I want to be a real estate investor, but since I can’t be that right now, I'll start by taking the first initial (but important) steps. Whatever you field or interest may be, don’t be afraid to take a step forward and discover something new.

I think that there are a good amount of college students who are trying to break the mold of a traditional millennial. I see a lot of students who are taking great steps in their jobs, internships, and their schoolwork. I think that’s a great thing, and I can’t wait to see what all they will accomplish in their lives. I see many college students starting companies, finding solutions to great problems we face as a society, and finding a way to succeed when many thought they couldn’t; that’s very humbling and it’s very exciting.

As millenials, the world truly does await us — the world needs us. Our generation will be in charge of running companies, governments, and families someday. However, while the world does await us, we should not await the world to come to us because it is up to all of us both individually and as a whole to start striving for more and achieving success.

It’s not easy to prove yourself when you’re young, but the rewards and benefits you may reap are exceptional and nothing short of thrilling.

Be different — it’s more fun that way.