Let's be honest. It's no secret that the millennial generation has gotten a bad rep from older generations. Most of the characteristics used to describe our generation are almost always negative, and we've even been nicknamed "The Cry Babies". The thing is, not all millennials are the same. In fact, there are a lot of millennials who are doing some pretty big things (cough cough Mark Zuckerberg). Are there parts of my personality that scream "Generation Y"? Of course. I appreciate Snapchat filters and a good smokey eye as much as the next millennial. At the same time, there are parts of me that are nothing like the negative stereotypes of this generation. Here are just a few....
1. I'm a millennial, but I respect the fact that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. During this election, I've noticed that certain politicians have been banned from speaking at colleges. The thing is, I understand that this is America and the importance of freedom of speech in this country. Now I'm not saying I agree or like what some of these politicians or their supporters are saying, but that doesn't mean others have the right to censor them either. While I am a millennial, I realize that everyone is entitled to have their own opinions and beliefs. I know that not everyone's beliefs or political stances are a reflection of my own...and that's okay.
2. I'm a millennial, but I know success requires hard work. In no way do I expect to just walk into an interview for my dream job and get hired immediately. I know that everything requires hard work. I do expect that there is a possibility that at first I may take a job completely unrelated to the degree I have. I also expect to pay my college loans back, and I realize there is no fairy Godmother who is going to magically make them disappear or pay them for me. I am not "above" internships and I see them as getting your foot in the door. When I do finally land the job I want, I do expect to have to work my way up and continuously prove myself.
3. I'm a millennial, but I do not expect getting everything handed to me. I am appreciative of the fact that this generation gets to stay on their parents' health insurance until they're 26 years old. I realize how costly healthcare and other bills are and I know that very soon those expenses will fully be my responsibility (if they aren't already). I know that working long hours and having paychecks go straight towards bills are all parts of being an adult.
4. I'm a millennial, but I know how to communicate effectively. I know how to call my grandfather to see how he is doing. I know how to schedule appointments and make important phone calls. I send my friends and family cards in the mail, instead of just posting on their Facebook wall. I prefer to speak to people on the phone rather through a text and I know how to properly speak at an interview or to a professor.
5. I'm a millennial, but I am not in love with all the current trends. While I am a fan of many, I am not a millennial that follows all of the latest beauty, music, and fashion trends. I'd rather listen to music that features actual instruments and has meaningful lyrics. I don't like to wear high-waisted anything and I have zero interest in buying a $50 Kylie Jenner lip kit. I've never been to a music festival and I have yet to listen to Beyoncé's new album.
6. I'm a millennial, but I am not lazy. Of course everyone has those days when they just want to lay on the couch and watch Netflix, but I am far from lazy. I enjoy the feeling of earning money and I have a strong work ethic. I go after what I want and I always feel the need to find new ways to keep improving myself.
