I just finished up school for this semester and I couldn’t wait for Christmas break, and now I can’t believe that it’s already the second week of December. As we near the end of this Step Up series, we are featuring 25-year-old Kimberly Parsons.

KP: Millennials are often described in harsh terms that represent us in a dishonest and damaging way. We are often thought of as the group that “needs" material possessions, and people often think that we don’t try to earn a reputation or respect, and that we are quick to give up. A millennial is someone who doesn’t give up with the first punch; they follow through until the last one. We are the individuals who know how to have a good time, but also how to make the best of it.

AM: How are you defying the millennial stereotype?

KP: From a young age, I was taught that the most reliable individual in your life is yourself; you are the key to your own success. I am defying the stereotype by establishing myself as a business owner at shuttersandhoney.com, and I am using that platform to help others feel accepted in food allergy communities. I am an extremely hard worker, and I often find myself with my hands in too many projects at once! I believe that we should all earn the things we possess, we must earn our respect, and we should lead by example.

AM: Why do you think your stereotype is so rampant?

KP: I think it goes back to the old saying that “one bad apple can ruin the bunch." Oftentimes, people are more aware of the bad things in society and the good deeds go unnoticed. This is exactly what happens with millennials. People are so willing to believe the bad things that only a handful of individuals do, and these negative stories end up being associated with the rest of the group. However, that is not the case at all, as there are so many of us doing amazing things for society.

AM: What can other young people do to defy that misnomer?

KP: People in my age group can encourage the older generations to see our worth by continuing to put effort in everything we do. We must continue to find new projects to excel at and we must continue to show respect for people and the environment. We can begin to brainstorm ideas about how to help humanity, how to clean up our lands and oceans, and how to create a more stable future.

AM: What do you want the public to know about millennials?

KP: I would like others to realize that we are a determined, distinguished age group. We’re a force to be reckoned with, a cool drink on a summer’s day, and a loving hug in the middle of winter. There’s a little surprise in each of us and you just have to give us a chance.