Yes, I'm a millennial.
I was born in 1997. I grew up in the 2000's. I am the generation that barely remembers 9/11 and could never forget the day the first African American was inaugurated as president. I have an iPhone and grew up with a Nokia. I like video games. I know how to work a computer. I'm on social media. I'm on Instagram. I'm on Facebook. I'm on Twitter. I know how to change the size of a picture to fit it into an email better than I know how to do my own taxes. The Billy Ray Cyrus that I know is Robby Ray and the Hillary Clinton that I know is the one that Kate McKinnon plays on Saturday Night Live.
Yes, I'm a millennial.
I know lots about technology. I like technology. I use technology a lot, probably a little too much. I am outspoken about my beliefs. I stick to my own resolve more often than not. I don't know everything about the American politics of the last twenty years. I don't know about only communicating in person. There's a lot that I don't know.
Yes, I'm a millennial.
I know lots about technology because that's what I've been taught my entire life. Even in elementary school, we started learning how to make power points from the pictures of animals and sent each other emails for practice. I like technology because I have to. I use technology a lot because I have to, in order to keep up with a growing global, interconnected economy that doesn't always include guaranteed jobs for college graduates, an economy that could look completely different five years down the road than it does today. I am outspoken about my beliefs because I have been taught all of the things that could happen when you are not. I stick to my own resolve because I was taught not to conform to what my peers want me to be. I don't know everything about the American politics of the last twenty years because I didn't live them. I don't know about only communicating in person because I have been provided with the means of doing otherwise. There's a lot that I don't know because, again, I haven't lived enough yet.
Yes, I'm a millennial.
I know lots about technology and like technology and use technology a lot, but I try to not let it consume my life. I am outspoken about my beliefs, but I know when to respect other people's opinions and allow others to be heard. I stick to my own resolve, but, in the end, what Momma says goes. I don't know everything about the American politics of the last twenty years, but I research and I try to learn more. I don't know about only communicating in person, but I still do it. I even call people instead of texting sometimes. There's a lot that I don't know, but I have a lot more time to learn it.
Yes, I'm a millennial, and yes, I fit a lot of the stereotypes that are perpetuated in today's society about millennials. But I am not the negativity that is associated with our generation. Yes, the technology and the climb in the American economy and some of the attitudes of our Generation X parents could have a negative impact on us. But they have a positive impact too. And I'm not fully defined by the society around me. I can still be humble and hard working and not fully attached to my phone and still be a millennial.
Yes, I'm a millennial.
But I'm not a stereotype.
