If you were born between the late 70's and late 90's, you are considered a millennial by most. Born in 1998, I barely fit the Millennial birth years, but I definitely feel the stereotypes that are given to Millennials put on me.

We complain too much, pretend we have a lot of stress when we have it so easy, are way too liberal, are addicted to our phones and social media, and we do not commit to things. I strongly disagree with these stereotypes and am honestly proud to be part of this generation and just the current young population in general.

Though it may be easy to assume that Millennials are hated on because they deserve it--think of the Baby Boomers. They went through the whole Woodstock phase, and they were hated on immensely for being 'hippies'. This judging and hating is something that older generations do to younger generations, and it honestly just makes them seem, quite honestly, sad. Focus on yourself.

The young people I see around me energize me. We are loving, accepting, and not close to oppressive as our elders. Are we crazy liberals? If you think that because we fight for LBGTQ rights, equality for all races, to end the gender gap, and promote self-love--then go ahead and call us crazy liberals. Judging us for wanting basic human rights is just pathetic. I am flabberghasted when I witness those in generations above us discriminating based off of race, gender, and sexuality. My generation is accepting of everyone as they are. So, if we annoy you because of our passion for these issues, I enjoy doing so and plan to continue doing it for the rest of your time here.

I honestly feel as if I will never hear the end of people telling us we are addicted to our phones and social media. I have just 3 things to address about that.

1. The president, Donald Trump, is 70 years old. He tweets more in a day than I do in a week.

2. Our elders use Facebook way more than we do. They are constantly 'checking in' when they get places, posting pictures for all their friends to like whenever they go somewhere, and they honestly comment more on my stuff than my friends my age do. I am not saying they should not be using Facebook in this way, but you should just consider this next time you are about to say Millennials are the only ones with a social media problem.

3. Today's world is technology-based, whether you like it or not. This day in age WILL move on with or without you. Millennials have vast knowledge in technology and use it in the way it was made to be used. In addition, technology is very important in the workplace. If those in older generations are not willing to adjust to the increasing reliance and use of technology, they will ultimately be let go from their jobs. There is no use in resisting what technology can do for us. No cure is going to be found for cancer without technology, for example.

Finally, there is the stereotype that Millennials cannot commit to anything. Throughout the years, the high school graduation rate has been increasing. In 2012, it was 72%, and now, it is 83%. Millennials are looking to be the most educated generation yet. Not to mention, high school has gotten a lot harder than it used to be. My parents have looked at the amount and difficulty of work I got in high school and confirmed this. Also, it has become necessary to go to college in order to get jobs in many fields. This is unlike how it has been for past generations. Therefore, I think we can commit, as we do for our education and success in life.

So, if you are going to turn your nose up when you see me because I think everyone should be able to choose who they love, I think everyone should have equal rights, I use technology made for us to use, and I made it through a very tough schooling system along with many other bright Millennials, go ahead. I am pretty proud of how this generation is. We are the future, and because of that, I think the future is bright.