Two weeks ago in Media Law class, we discussed our life philosophies, in response to reading an article by New York Times columnist David Brooks, A Generation Emerging From the Wreckage.

Our professor was interested to know our thoughts the article and if we were indeed a generation who felt hopeless amidst our current society. Did we even hope to have a career we enjoy, own a home or contribute to something bigger than ourselves?

The intrinsic appeal of potential self-actualization has diminished from generation to generation and working towards one’s dream has become a luxury few millennials feel the need to splurge on.

“I am an idealist with no illusions,” John F. Kennedy.

However, millennials are not a monolith. I found myself among a small group of ambitious idealists/ believers/doers, who believe that a better future is within our grasps. I have never had doubts in my ability to create a life and world that I love. In fact, I feel I have an obligation to better the world around me.

“Cause everybody dies, but not everybody lives.” Nicki Minaj

I’m 22, ambitious and hopeful. I have been blessed with opportunities to learn, pursue my passions and the luxury of knowing that my dreams are obtainable, and for all I have been given, I am determined to give to others. I want to cultivate a desire within my peers to FLOURISH to accept challenges, to live for themselves and work for a cause that will outlive them.

“Service is the rent you pay for room on this Earth.” Shirley Chisholm

I refuse to concede to life as it is. My core belief is that there has to be some bigger reason why. I have been blessed to see 22 1/2 years of life, that I have been shown the mercy of God, that I have a family that loves me, why I have friends who support me, why I over-analyze every situation that I’m in and why I have this passion for talking to people, hearing stories and trying to make some sense of my thoughts through very introspective blog posts…

…so if you are wondering if our society will ever get better, it will if you want it to.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1