If there's one thing I've noticed in my short time here at college so far (it's only been about a month and a half), it's that most college students don't seem to care. Of course, it is a little different here at Northwood, where the goal of the institution I attend is to "develop future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society." However, in general, I think it's safe to say that most "kids," (or adults, depending on the person) my age don't seem to care about anything. Not about the election. Not about their education. Not about pushing in their chair when they're done sitting. Not about saying "please," and, "thank you." Not about holding doors open for people. Not about respecting professors. Not about poor spending habits. Not about proper exercise, proper nutrition, or healthy drinking habits. Legal drinking habits. Not about cheating. Not about stealing. Not about lying. Most people I come into contact with actually don't seem to care about anything. Which, for me, is shocking.

It's shocking to me because I am a Millennial who cares. I care deeply about the country I live in, and I appreciate the freedom I have because of the men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect it. I make a conscious effort to say "please," and, "thank you," even if it's just asking to borrow a pencil, or thanking someone for holding the door open for me. I care about the fact that the two main candidates for our current election are (1) a liar who avoided penalty from the FBI because of the body count surrounding her last name (also a liar responsible for the death of four brave Americans). And (2) a narcissist who shows all of the tendencies a dictator or totalitarian ruler could show.

I care about other people's feelings and opinions when I speak. I am mindful of who I am speaking to, and use appropriate tones towards those people. I try my best to make the most morally-sound decisions possible. It bothers me that I hardly ever come across people my age like me. I know, say, 50 years ago, "me's" were a lot more common, but somewhere along the line, society dropped the ball. Our education system dropped the ball. Churches dropped the ball. Parents dropped the ball. Individuals dropped the ball.

So, here I am, asking you to be a Millennial who cares. Pick the ball back up. Do it for yourself. Do it for those around you. Do it for the sake of our country. Do it so that when people use the word, "millennial," they can no longer say it disgustedly or pitifully. Say "please" next time you ask for something. Say "thank you" next time you get that something. Hold the door open for the person behind you. Smile at that person you pass on the sidewalk. Offer to help when you see someone is struggling with something. Educate yourself on current events. Educate yourself on the candidates who could be the next president of our country. Don't just put forth the bare minimum - don't just skate by. Don't think, I'm a teenager, it's what society expects of me, the next time you're trying to justify getting black out drunk, or cheating on your test, or lying to that professor. Don't think I've still got time to mature. Because, you don't.

Exceed everyone's expectations. The time to mature is now.