If you’re reading this and are under the age of 30, you’re in the right place. You’re birth year has purchased you a one way ticket to journey into an ambiguous future with one of the most criticized generations our country has seen. Buckle up; it’s probably going to be a bumpy ride.

Like most millennials, I’ve heard what the older generations have to say about us. According to many of our elders, we millennials are entitled, lazy, and obsessed with technology. And to be completely honest, they’re not entirely off base. What our elders don’t realize is that millennials hold the keys to solving the problems we face today, and the very same traits that define us negatively are what I see as assets to a generation ready to step up and start steering the country.

Many employers, who are in the process of hiring newly career-eligible millennials, like to complain that our generation is entitled. We think we deserve what we haven’t worked for. Conversely, I think younger people know what can be achieved and strive to start achieving early on. Gone are the days where you are born into a social class and required to stick to it. By working hard and pushing yourself, you can make your life what you want it to be. Even at the beginning of their careers, Millennials are eager to start achieving and climbing the ladder -- and we know it’s possible. We’re not entitled; we’re determined to achieve.

Laziness is another sin of millennials, according to our elders. We are content to sit around all day, while back in their day, they worked long, laborious hours, and wouldn’t dream of spending the whole day on the couch, streaming Netflix. I disagree with this criticism, too. Efficiency and the understanding that rest is important is mistaken for laziness. Younger people out-perform older people in multi-tasking and efficiency exercises when it comes to completing work. We’re hardwired to be efficient. In addition to this, we also understand that you can’t work hard all the time, or else you’ll burn yourself out. Overworking yourself can lead to an array of mental and physical health problems. We’re not lazy; we’re efficient and conscientious.

Lastly, the point I’m most constantly reminded of is our addiction to technology. I was once told, “Those headphones are like an IV, unplug you from your cell phone and you’ll flatline.” Again, although hyperbole, this statement isn’t completely false. Very rarely will you find me without my cell phone in my pocket, and more often than not, my laptop, headphones, and three different kinds of chargers are shoved into the last pocket of my backpack. You could say millennials are addicted, but I say that we’re assimilated.

We live in a time where computers and technology are part of most of our daily activities. From work, to school, to our time of relaxation, technology is almost always present. It keeps us more connected, well informed, and accessible than any generation before us. Not only are millennials well versed in the use of modern technology, it’s been scientifically proven that they can pick up newly technology better than their older counterparts. We’re not addicted to technology; we’re using the tools that have been given to us.

So, millennials, listen up. The next time someone rolls their eyes at you because of your fairly recent birth year, don’t be offended. Take being a millennial as a point of pride. The future belongs to us.