The millennial generation is often shunned and given a bad rep because of our iPhones, Netflix and many of our group ideals. We are “too addicted to technology,” we are “lazy,” and we are easily twisted to appear the villainous group slowly destroying society.

The way I see it, millennials are a very special generation. Only once in a hundred years, do we have a group born right in the midst of major technological changes. Millennials are sort of middlemen between the baby-boomers and the children born after 2000.

We aren’t old enough to remember our first microwaves being installed, but we also weren’t sent off to pre-school with iPhones in our pockets. We are equally connected to both groups; we love our vinyls just as much as our iTunes, we like classic rock as much as Drake, and we love incorporating old styles into the new.

Because of our close ties to both of two very different groups, we are very prone to inclusivity. I get excited when I think about a future generation of businessmen hiring people with tattoos and colored hair and that being part of the norm. I look forward to seeing millennials incorporating a system of looking beyond common prejudices to instead appreciate the people inside.

It’s very easy to say “Back in my day…” and dismiss the behaviors of the upcoming generation (whether you are 17 or 70), but I ask that you look for the good before you do so. Look for the ways in which they could positively change the world. Look for what’s coming without criticizing for what’s missing. Be the person to not dismiss but instead encourage our future generations.