I'm Proud of Being a Millennial
Start writing a post
Student Life

I'm Proud of Being a Millennial

Turns out there are some perks to being part of the "me generation"

109
I'm Proud of Being a Millennial
Storefront Blog

If there is anything that Generation Xers love to do, it’s complain about millennials. Even the word millennial drips from their lips like the worst of insults. How do you know you’re a millennial? The easy answer is that you were born during the early 1980s up to the early 2000s.

However, you can also identify if you’re a millennial if your generation has been criticized for being self-centered, entitled, narcissistic, lazy, delusional, and generally detached. Generations of the past demonize millennials for every alleged shortfall we possess. In their disapproving eyes, we have become so obsessed with our delusions of grandeur that we have forgotten reality entirely.

I am one of these apparently ill-fated, miserable millennials. In fact, I’m damn proud of it. While every generation has its flaws, millennials are always under attack. Therefore, I have compiled a list of positive qualities I've noticed that millennials possess, despite the incessant anti-millennial rhetoric.

We Don’t Need the American Dream...

The American Dream has always been an ideal embedded in our culture. However, the days of financial security, traditional families, and white picket fences have faded away along with pensions and affordable college tuition. Millennials have accepted that economic stability is largely a thing of the past, and that we will spend our lives working odd jobs and forfeiting what is conventional in order to pave our own way.

...But We’re Still Dreamers

Even though we have lost sight of the American Dream, millennials are still starry-eyed dreamers. We dream of finding not a draining 9-to-5 job, but a challenging and fulfilling career. We dream of travelling and changing the world, and will never be content to resign ourselves to mediocrity. If we don’t have our dreams, then we don't have anything. Constantly wanting to pursue our next dream allows millennials to have inexhaustible sources of inspiration and motivation.

We’re Good with Technology

Most millennials have been raised in the era of the Internet. Our lives have been shaped by the infusion of technology and social media into everyday life. While technology presents its own set of issues, it is a permanent part of innovation. Millennials’ comfort with technology means that we will always be able to adapt and evolve with ease to whatever the tech world throws our way next. Technology is our ally, not something we have to grapple to get along with, which is major positive in life and the workforce.

We’re “Narcissistic”

Millennials have frequently been dubbed “narcissistic” by their generational elders. I would like to challenge this by stating that millennials are not narcissistic, but have a different definition of self respect and self appreciation. There is nothing inherently wrong with focusing on what your needs and goals are. Millennials are not raging narcissists, but instead are young people who like to be acknowledged for their talents and individuality.

We’re Accepting

Despite the fact that millennials have been described as self-centered, we are one of the most socially conscious generations to date. United, we work to improve civil rights, and usher in those of different races, creeds, religions, and sexual orientations. We work to break down the barriers that stand in the way of equality for all. Additionally, due to adults graciously informing us of our shortcomings and the prevalence of the Internet, millennials have come to respect the diverse opinions of others.

We’re Optimistic About the Future

Despite an underwhelming economy, a lack of job security, an increase in international conflict, a crumbling environment, and hordes of people telling us we’re lazy and entitled, millennials are hopeful about the future. Instead of accepting the world for the bleak garbage fire that it is, we believe that our generation can hold the keys to ending the world’s problems. We fight for what we believe in, even when all seems lost.





Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40839
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25428
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950971
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

133385
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments