I’ll set the scene: it’s 2017, and I am a member of a generation that is left to deal with a pile of controversies on our part and the part of others. A generation criticized by older generations for projecting nothing but the picture-perfect moments of life, and lacking depth and a true comprehension of the world around them. It is unfair to stereotype an entire generation based on a few outliers. These cynics and dreamers are constantly debating the way one should lead their life. I suppose that in my 17 years, I can say that I’ve learned that life is not about acting like all is perfect, ignoring the negativity of the world, but finding the good in spite of everything around you.

On a typical day, my alarm clock will beep, and as I am shutting it off, I find my phone rife with notifications of all kinds -- CNN updates, Snapchats from friends, Instagram likes. Another presidential mistake, a friend telling me good morning, and suddenly I find myself enthralled in the projected lives of other people. I constantly remind myself that I should not become too invested in my phone, despite its increasing difficulty.

I become subject to the toxic comparison between myself and others, and like many other millennials, tend to have feelings of inadequacy from time to time. The remedy to these feelings is the validation I feel when I simply spread kindness and positivity, and seeing others do the same.

I can say from personal experience that the euphoria expressed by a child who finally understands their homework because of my tutoring help, or a friend who feels better after I’ve given them advice (or simply lending an ear), or just having a good deep conversation with someone, is more fulfilling than an Instagram like. Don’t get me wrong -- I enjoy Instagram, and keeping up with my friends and community, as well as posting about some of the happenings of my own life to share with others. But it is important to maintain a healthy balance, as human connections are so truly deep and profound.

In terms of finding human connections, sometimes social media can actually be used positively. Human interest story accounts based on Brandon Stanton’s original "Humans of New York" have become popular, and encourage people to acknowledge the trials and tribulations, as well as happy moments, in the lives of those around them.

Many fans of these accounts just so happen to be millennials, who also tend to take an interest in understanding the complexity of their surroundings, through both higher education and simple life experience. In fact, despite the “lazy and dependent on technology” stereotype, millennials/post-millennials are still the most educated generation to date, with 34% of them holding or pursuing at least a Bachelor’s Degree, according to NPR.

On another note, while it is perfectly fine to critique this environment we live in, it is also important to remember the many small daily benefits that we take for granted sometimes. If I find myself complaining about heavy schoolwork, I remind myself that I am lucky to have a public education in a safe neighborhood where I am being prepared for college. If I am bothered by the petty teenage drama that perpetrates high school, I remind myself that I don’t have to worry about gang violence and a corrupt government closing in on me as I go to school every day. As cliché as it may sound, it is important to be grateful for the simple things in life.

I know that I succumb to the same things as many other millennials, and I know that they are not nearly as important as authentic human connections. While it may sound like I think I know everything, I very well know that I have plenty to learn in this world, and as a post-millennial am up for the challenge.