It’s that time again! Time to meet another awesome millennial. This week, we are featuring 31 year old Caitlyn Reyna. She designs luxury jewelry pieces, which then led to her creating her fine jewelry company Boy Cherie. Let’s read her take on millennial stereotypes.

AM: What’s your definition of a millennial?

CR: Younger adults in the world that are now influencing society.

AM: How are you defying the millennial stereotype?

CR: I think there are two types of millennials: ones who are ambitious and try to be as successful as possible, and the others who think the whole world should just be handed to them. I like to think of myself as the ambitious one. I know the world does not owe me anything; therefore, I need to go out by myself and get what I want through a great work ethic and good networking.

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

CR: The millennials who think the world should be handed them only cause a lot of chaos. They complain when they are criticized (even if it's constructive criticism), they don't understand that they need to work hard in order to be successful, and the things they value are superficial. The only way to describe their behavior is appalling. A society cannot flourish if everyone only focuses on themselves without wanting to contribute to the world, and that is what these millennials do.

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

CR: Learn from the actions of others. Young people just need to ask themselves if they want people to be in awe of their maturity, or it they want to be viewed as a stereotype.  Young people can make themselves stand out by acting like a responsible adult, having the ability to work hard, taking criticism without being offended or getting defensive, and treating others the way they want to be treated.

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

CR: Not all millennials are like the stereotype. Don't judge the younger generation by their age; judge them by their actions. There are a lot of young entrepreneurs out there who are doing amazing things!