We are lazy. We are self-centered. We care more about technology than other people. These are all common narratives for my generation. It includes those born in the early 80’s unto the turn of the millennium. They call us Millennials, and as we get older what they say about us is changing, it may be a bit biased, but I agree.

This topic has been extensively covered in places like TIME, the LA Times and MSNBC, so I won’t sit here and try to argue for my fellow smart phone and selfie loving brothers and sisters.

It’s already known that we are the best-educated generation (even if it means crippling student loans), we are innovated, and we love giving back to our communities (LINK). We are a generation that is built on the idea that we can make a difference and the belief that we will.

Sitting in a classroom on the East side of Detroit I was reminded of this again. For our project this month are partnering up with the Future Project, which is an organization that challenges youth to come up with Dream Projects and help change their school, community and world.

I listened as these high school students, representing the tail end of our generation, told their ideas. There was a job-shadowing program, ideas to help students gain professional dress clothes and the skills for job interviews and professional conduct, and even a project that would help students dealing with a loss of a loved one.

It was amazing.

It reminded me of my imaginative, curious, and intelligent students at the high school I worked at in City Year. It reminded me of the hundreds of corps members that served with me in the places that Chicago needed most, and that would take a small stipend just for a chance at making a difference. It reminded me of my current fellows, some which moved across the country, that just want to be part of a City’s comeback.

Sure my generation doesn’t vote enough and we probably spend too much time watching Netflix. We may need constant affirmation and we may be a bit restless. But we are smart, innovative, caring, thoughtful and many other great things as a group.

As we grow older and gain higher-level roles in our careers, we will change our communities, transform out cities, improve our states and help build a better country and world.

I am excited to be a part of this generation and to be surrounded by the inspirational people that make it up.