One of the most controversial topics in the lifestyle community is the role and efficiency of Millennials. For those who are not aware, Millennials is our generation; those born between the early 1980s and early 2000s. While some criticize us for our so said laziness, lack of ambition and bad manners, others show support for our adventurous and creative mindset.

While it may be hard to find consensus regarding our productivity, it is obvious that Millennials are in a privileged position. With proper instruction and a mindshift, we can become the most impactful and powerful generation ever. At least until the next one grows old enough to break all of our records.

Why? There has never been a generation with more freedom and resources to change the world for better. The Internet alone has been responsible for extreme technological advances and provides everyone the opportunity to do things one could never dream of in the past.

Some Millennials have already understood that and are now using all the available resources to achieve their goals and help others along the way. Their journeys and accomplishments are proof that we are not the “lost generation.” Think of Mark Zuckerberg, for example. With a real time net worth of $45.5 billion (as of Nov. 30 , according to Forbes) and the title of cofounder, chairman and CEO of Facebook, he has not only become one of the most powerful people on Earth, but also donated hundreds of millions of dollars.

The film, music and sports industries are full of examples of young, talented and driven Millennials who have fought for their space and achieved remarkable feats. Daniel Radcliffe, Lady Gaga and LeBron James are Millennials.

The most important thing a Millennial can do to fight against the stereotypes is to learn how to positively utilize the available resources. The use of social media illustrates that concept extremely well. If instead of scrolling to our feeds with no purpose, we start building a strong credibility and image, our social networking becomes not a way to procrastinate, but to work toward achieving our goals.

The same goes for our relationships and concerns. Millennials are often said to overthink and stress out about little things. If there is a shift in the preoccupation from our dating lives to our academics or professional lives, we are progressing.

Finally, the key for our generation to rise to the occasion and show the world the power of Millennials is really simple: taking responsibility for our mistakes and failures, while recognizing who helped us when we succeed. While you and I might not become the next Zuckerberg, we can certainly do something that matters and become a role model for future generations to follow.

Bruno Beidacki is an opinion writer for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].