I am a millennial but I don't identify as one.

In this day in age as a young adult, I am perceived as a millennial. This is because I was born in the mid-1990s and I am coming of age in the 2000s. I've seen and grown along with great technological advances, from cube TVs to flat-screens, cellphones no longer being the size of bricks, the mass growth of everything Internet and the great rise of Netflix. I also have memory of a national disaster and how it has affected our country, as well as seeing the first African American president take office. And now as a young adult, I am witnessing the campaign for presidency between two people whose platforms that I do not favor either way. (I am not excited for November, America just needs to be single for a while.) I am also getting to see the United Kingdom finally have another female Prime Minister, Thersea May, and I will probably see Queen Elizabeth step down and give the throne to Will and Kate. What a time to be alive!

I've seen a lot of growth and change within the world while I grow and change. It is a fascinating thing to witness and I have never begrudged it. I often wonder if this is what it was like for my great-grandparents when they were born in another century but came of age in a different one? Obviously the advancements they witnessed were much different than the one's I see now, but nonetheless, it still impacted their lives just like it has mine.

There is a downfall of being a millennial though. There has been this stigma that all millennials are narcissistic, entitled, lazy, unappreciative, and that we are all liberals.

I don't perceive myself in that bad group of my generation. Why would anyone ever want to be classified as lazy or narcissistic? Even unappreciative? Entitled to something? No thanks.

Now you're probably wondering about the liberal part of being a millennial. Do I separate myself from that mindset or not? I would have to say that I am in the grey area of that "characterization" of a millennial, just like most of the people within the generation. I am conservative about some things, as well as being open minded about others. In the end, it is all about being educated and learning where I stand with that. I find that to not be solely my generation thing, it is an aspect that can be founded in all generations.

As an introvert, I have never been full of myself or self involved. I am not even sure how one goes about being that way. How does someone put themselves always before others or only think about themselves at all times? How does one do that? For as long as I can remember, I have always worried about others and put them before myself. I want other people to be happy, loved, cared for, and to know that I am there for them. By doing this, it will always come back at you ten fold. It even shows that you are a kind and caring person, and that you aren't some jerk who can't be depended on. And I'm not saying I have never been selfish; even the kindest and most caring people need focus on themselves at times. It just doesn't become their sole priority.

I don't feel like I am entitled to anything, except for my own opinion. And honestly, opinions are what everyone is entitled to. I don't believe that I should have to have things handed to me or have everything go my way because I said so. There are a many of people who feel this way, and unfortunately, it seems that is mostly people within the millennial generation- even some Baby Boomers- who feel this way. It may be because they have never had to work hard to get something; that all through their childhood or life that they have had things just handed to them. This all coincides with laziness. Those who feel entitled have been too lazy to get anything themselves. Why break a sweat when you get it an easier way by demanding it is yours? That mentality is a tad infuriating. Where is the satisfaction of accomplishing something if it is just handed to you? There isn't any long lasting satisfaction; the satisfaction goes away quickly and then there is a demand of wanting more. I work hard in everything I do, whether it be school work, something at my job, writing, or anything else I set my mind to. When I accomplish my goal after busting tail through it, I feel satisfied that I did something on my own and achieved it without having it handed to me. And by working hard and not thinking I am entitled to something, I have paved ways for myself and have been able to advance, as well as receive great recognition for my good work.

And with all that combined, I find myself to be quite appreciative of what goes on in my life. I appreciate the great people around me and how they impact my life, as well as how I can impact theirs. I appreciate what I have accomplished because I have worked hard to get there and meet (and even go beyond) my goal. I am always thankful for how everything goes in my life, even if it is bad. Because in the end, it has shaped my life for the better and can teach me how to face obstacles.

Now that is what most definitely separates me.

And that is what makes me not a millennial.