Lazy, selfish and narcissistic. These are some commonly used words when describing the Millennial Generation. Those born after the year 1980, are often described as over-sensitized, 20-year-olds who are reliant on their parent, commonly seen sipping on overpriced lattes with phone in hand while they complain about the lack of respect for them in the workplace.

According to a recent article by The Washington Post, these “privileged kids” demand a meaningful profession with a flexible work schedule and overly supportive bosses hanging on their every word.  

While this is definitely not a realistic scenario, who wouldn’t want that? a Fantasizing about dream jobs and future contributions to society is part of being in college, just like picking majors and deciding what job you can live with for the next 40 plus years is part of the experience. And while we may all want to be the next Steve Jobs, Millennials still have a hold on reality. 

Articles such as this may instill fear in future employers, but at least at Elon University, the “lazy Millennial” stereotype is minimal.  Of course there will always be slackers on a college campus, but what Elon doesn’t lack is student dedication.  

In fact, 87 percent of Elon students intern annually, working with reputable companies such as National Geographic, ESPN, CNN and others. And while interning alone may not prove one’s impressive work ethic, several of these students secure jobs immediately following graduation.  

The Millennials may be stereotyped as inefficient and unmotivated, but Elon students go out of their way to solidify future job opportunities by working hard as interns.

These students are not only hard at work in their jobs, but also within the university community.  With more than 200 registered clubs and organizations on campus, students are very invested, selfless individuals.  All of these organizations, ranging from Greek life to animal activism, maintain a strong investment in helping others.  

With 47 percent of these club members holding at least one leadership position on-campus, students clearly have the ability to plan and act in an effective manner.

Millennials may be seen at a glance as an ineffective addition to the workplace, but Elon University students prove that this is not true.  With small class sizes and strict professors, there is little room to slack off.  Students have been trained to show up on time and meet deadlines.  When they are not in class, 25 percent of students are completing research hours with their professors.  

So with class, school-related obligations, clubs and internships, when would students find time to be lazy and complain?