The millennial generation often receives a lot negativity thrown its way: too lazy, selfish, only thinks of themselves, so wrapped up in technology they don’t even know what is going on around them. As someone who is proud to say that they are born in the millennial generation, I cannot disagree with those statements more. Sure, everyone is lazy and somewhat selfish, however, millennials are by far “the worst generation.”

Millennials are more knowledgeable and up-to-date on current events than any other generation – the phones we “stare at constantly” are giving us minute-to-minute updates about on goings in the world. We may not pick up a physical paper every day, but our Twitter feeds, Facebook timelines and news apps are sending us happenings much quicker than print. With these devices, millennials are able to communicate in the drop of hat, anything going on in the world. Isn’t “proactive” a good thing?

This generation is often known as “disgruntled” or “mean.” This again, is not accurate. The millennial generation is one of the most loving and accepting ones there is. Most millennials don’t care what your race, gender, social class, sexual orientation or religion is; for the most part, millennials accept everyone. They are some of the first to get behind political stands, rallies and fundraisers to help bring awareness to causes. Does this sound “self-centered” or “lazy” to you?

A recent study by Harvard Business Review, says “Millennials Think Too Much About Work.” More people in the millennial generation have attended or are attending higher education than any other generation before it. Why? So they can better themselves and their communities with their degree. If millennials are “lazy,” then why are they focusing on work so much?

The millennial generation isn’t lazy, hateful or self-absorbed. They are aware of what they are going to have to do, or going to have to live through, because of choices made from the generations before them. Unlike its forefathers, the millennial generation isn’t afraid of change. Have you every thought maybe that’s why millennials are so full of angst?

Who cares if millennials do not stick to the “status quo” set for them – if they want to rebrand who they are, let them. If millennials want to drink too much coffee, wear funny clothing, cover themselves in tattoos or day drink, they should be able to without being judged by their elders. Everyone, and every generation, is unique. Why are millennials so quick to be judged?

If you are a millennial, be proud. We have the power to change the world for the better – and I believe wholeheartedly that we will. Our happy yet angry, and complicated yet simple, attitudes will allow us to accomplish things our ancestors would never even dream of. If you’re a millennial: stand up, be proud and get yourself into the action. Don’t let us become a stereotype; help change it to “leaders,” “visionaries” and “victors.”