She Strengthens

Redefining the Millennial Generation

Beyond the Stereotypes

For decades, journalists have been penning indignant think pieces about the younger generation, citing anecdotal evidence with little empirical backing. This style of editorializing has become a favorite pastime, particularly among middle-aged writers. But I’m here to tell you that this narrative is not only misleading but also flat-out wrong.

The Most Educated Generation

According to the Pew Research Center, millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are on track to become the most educated generation in history. With higher high school graduation rates and college attendance, this generation is poised to reap the benefits of education, including reduced poverty, increased income, and better health outcomes.

Champions of Social Justice

Millennials have been at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement and have seen marriage equality become the law of the land. This generation is more comfortable with social justice and is overall more progressive than their predecessors. A Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) report reveals that millennials are starting their adult lives more progressive than any generation since 1960.

The Most Productive Generation

Millennials make up the majority of the tax-paying workforce in America, and they’re also the busiest bees in the hive. According to the Harvard Business Review, millennials are total workaholics, poised to be the most productive generation ever. Despite this, they’re vastly underpaid, making the “entitled” stereotype even more infuriating.

Fighting for Our Country

Did you know that 71.8% of our country’s active duty military members are millennials? They’re the ones risking their lives on the front lines, following orders from higher-ranking older officers. So, you can either support the troops or perpetuate the “lazy and entitled” myth. You can’t have both.

Thriving Under Adversity

The 2008 crash and subsequent recession have defined the economic circumstances of my generation. We had no hand in creating these circumstances, yet we’ve disproportionately suffered because of them. Despite this, millennials are doing all they can to thrive, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Statistically speaking, we’re kicking ass and taking names, and that’s something to be damn proud of.